The Gypsy Moth
The Gypsy Moth is a classic invader species. The trouble began in 1869 when entrepreneur Leopold Trouvelot had a dream of starting a silk production industry in Boston. He brought the gypsy moth from France and tried to cross it with indigenous silkworms.
When his experiment failed, he took his moths and returned to France. What he didn’t know was that some of the insects had escaped his workroom and found a perfect home in the surrounding forests.
They have, of course, been thriving ever since, leaving behind whole forests full of broadleaf trees stripped of their leaves.
If you suspect you have a problem with Gypsy Moths, now is the time to take a good look at your trees for the distinctive loonie-sized egg masses on the bark. These egg masses have the colour and texture of a chamois. Use a knife to scrape them off into a bucket of soapy water.
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Eastern Tent Caterpillar
The distinctive ’tents’ built by the Eastern Tent Caterpillar are a familiar sight to most Ontarians.
A single tent in a tree isn’t a great threat, but several tents can release up to a thousand caterpillars which will strip branches bare of their leaves.
The best way to prevent infestation in the spring is to simply put on a pair of rubber gloves, scoop the tent off the branch and squish the contents in your hands.
If you’re too squeamish to squish, try spraying early in the spring with ‘Bt’. This is a natural bacteria that renders the pest unable to feed.
In the fall and winter, take some time to look for the golden brown egg masses encircling the young twigs on your trees and shrubs.
Pruning and carefully discarding these new-growth branches will get rid of the eggs. |
Japanese Beetles
Japanese Beetles are, like cater-pilars, defoliators. Their feeding pattern ‘skeletonizes’ the foliage of roses as well as many fruit trees, shrubs and flowers.
This is one of the toughest pests to control. Keeping your garden well weeded and your soil well cultivated will help cut down on their preferred habitat.
Timing is everything for good garden pest control. Catching pests before they hatch is the best strategy, and fall is the best time to get the jump on next year’s pests.
If you suspect your garden is vulnerable to more damage next year, call us now to book a thorough assessment in order to develop an effective treatment program.
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