What is Winter Moth?

Winter Moth, an abundant species in Europe, originated from Nova Scotia. The moths are considered to be an invasive species in the U.S. due to the severity of their infestations. Mature winter moths mate in late fall and lay their eggs in early winter. The eggs hatch in the spring once temperatures reach 55 degrees. This makes spring an ideal time to start looking for signs of early infestation on trees. Winter Moth caterpillars can be identified by their light green color. They have pale lines down their sides and a darker line along the top. Winter Moths feed on the new leaves and buds of maples, oaks, birches, and almost any other type of tree or shrub. Fruit trees like apple and blueberry are extremely susceptible to the damage that winter moth can cause. Their feeding cycle is finished by the middle of June each year.

Winter moth has been identified in nine Massachusetts counties and has also affected Maine, southeastern Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Believed to be on the down side of its life cycle; populations of adult Winter Moth were found to be excessive in many areas in Massachusetts. We had anticipated minimizing the amount of treatment applications for many properties. However, due to the observations and predictions by the state and University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Urban Forestry Lab, Winter Moth posses a greater threat than previously thought. This could be the result of environment conditions that lead to greater survival rates.

Winter Moth Treatment

Be cautious if attempting to treat infested trees yourself. Arbitrary spraying for Winter Moth could cause more damage than the pest, so be sure to use good tree care methods to preserve the long term health of your plants.

At Tree Tech, certified arborists and licensed pesticide applicators are trained in proper treatment and application of sprays to protect and prevent Winter Moth damage. Tree Tech’s tree care experts have been providing the most up to date treatment options to ensure optimal plant health since 1986. We serve all of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Click here to request a site visit and have your trees properly evaluated and treated for Winter Moth.