Gypsy Moth Tree Band

(Question)

I noted your news item about early july’s treatment of trees with bands.
Pesky Pests Running Among Us
Is it too late to treat the nearby trees? One is a European Beech and the other is a Black Maple. I just have to find a store that has the bands, or do they come from the ministry….? Next year I’ll make a note for spring. Thank you

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners with your enquiry.

Gypsy moths, Lymantria dispor are defoliating insects that appear in great numbers every 8-10 years. In the caterpillar stage they are voracious eaters and can defoliate an entire tree when there is an infestation.   If this happens two years in a row, the tree can become so stressed that it could die.

Applying sticky bands around trees will stop the caterpillars from travelling up the tree to eat.  These bands can control gypsy moths, tent caterpillars, canker worms and climbing cutworms, depending upon the timing of the application of the bands.

The City of Toronto has a number of excellent web sites detailing the life cycle and how the homeowner can deal with the control of these destructive insects.  I am posting one of these here.

https://www1.toronto.ca/City%20Of%20Toronto/Parks%20Forestry%20&%20Recreation/03Trees%20and%20Ravines/Files/pdf/G/Gypsy%20Moth%20Guide%20for%20Homeowners2014%20-%20text%20only%20version.pdf

 

You can find the supplies needed to create the sticky barriers in garden centres and big box stores.

Thank you for helping to maintain our tree canopy!  Perhaps your neighbours will want to join you.

Good luck and thank you.