May 2012 Winter Moth

What happened to these tender leaves? They are victims of the Winter Moth- a damaging introduced pest that can eat through scores of leaves from trees, shrubs and sometimes perennials. Oak and cherry trees are favorites! These pests have few natural predators, lay eggs in the late fall/early winter, and emerge as bright green caterpillars in early spring. March and April are the vulnerable months when hungry caterpillars eat and eat and eat. Hand picking and destroying the caterpillars is feasible only on smaller plants. Mature plants are often treated with a suffocating spray once before the caterpillars emerge and again afterward.

For more detailed information about identification, its life stages are and potential  treatment options see the links below. Healthy leaves are necessary for proper growth and survival.

http://extension.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/winter-moth-identification-management

http://www.massnrc.org/pests/pestFAQsheets/winter%20moth.html

http://www.northeastnursery.com/garden/whatsnew_helpfulhints_wintermoth.html

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/03/09/mass-braces-for-winter-moth-surge/