The sponge moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth, is an invasive and destructive species found in Indiana and other parts of the United States. Luckily, getting rid of them is a simple DIY.
Spongy moths will defoliate more than 9 million acres of forest in 2021
At Purdue University, the sponge moth isThe most serious forest defoliantIn 2021 alone, this invasive pest defoliated more than 9 million acres of forest in the United States. The sponge moth's favorite food is oak leaves. However, they can and do eat the leaves of 500 different species of trees. The sponge moth was accidentally introduced to the United States in 1869 and was first identified in Indiana in 1998.
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Female sponge moths lay eggs anywhere
The life cycle of a sponge moth has four stages. They start as eggs, grow into caterpillars, then pupae, and then adult spongy moths. Females lay egg masses in convenient locations such as firewood, tree branches, cars, and picnic tables. The following spring, the eggs hatch and the caterpillars emerge and climb to the top of the tree.
Spongy moth larvae have voracious appetites
They eat here and are ravenous. Caterpillars may also hang on silk threads that can be blown to other trees. Purdue University explains the process of molting and what the final form of the caterpillar looks like before it moves into the pupal stage.
After the caterpillar settles on the tree, it molts into a second instar that is approximately 1/2 inch long, mostly black, and with irregularly shaped yellow spots visible on the surface of its upper body. On the back of older caterpillars (from 4th to 6th instars) there are distinct colored spots: 5 pairs of blue dots followed by her 6 pairs of red dots.
Spongy moth caterpillars do not create cocoons
Once the caterpillar enters its third stage as a pupa, it stops feeding, usually around early June. The spongy moth pupa is dark brown and looks like a seashell. They don't make cocoons.
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Adult chimen moths emerge in July and August.
When emerging as adults in July-August, female sponge moths have tan bodies and cream-white wings. Males are smaller in size and dark brown in color. Females cannot fly, and sponge moths have very distinct markings on the wings of both males and females. They look like an upside-down letter V pointing to a point.
It is impossible to eradicate sponge moths, but it is possible to slow their spread.
According to Purdue University, it is impossible to completely eliminate sponge moths, but it is possible to slow their spread. That's where it comes in. If you are planning to move from an area known to be infested with sponge moths to one that is not, you should conduct an inspection of your belongings before moving, as outlined by the Department of Agriculture. there is.
How to hang a ring on a tree to catch and dispose of spongy moth larvae
If you are trying to maintain population control of your tree, you can wrap a burlap strip around the trunk of the tree. Purdue recommends using burlap or another strong, dark-colored material that is 12 to 18 inches wide and long enough to wrap around the entire perimeter of the tree. Wrap the fabric around chest height and secure in the center with string or twine. Fold the top of the material to meet the bottom. This creates a kind of trap that catches caterpillars climbing trees.
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Spongy moth caterpillars can be soaked in soapy water
In the afternoon, remove the caterpillar from the makeshift trap and drop it into a bucket of soapy water. Use dish detergent. After soaking it in soapy water for a day or two to make sure it's not alive, you can dispose of it. In the photo above, you can see an example of the burlap bands created at Elkhart County Park to minimize the impact of sponge moths.
Working to slow sponge moth spread in Indiana
Again, this method won't completely eradicate the virus, but it will help slow its spread. For more information about sponge moths and their management, including a diagram detailing the traps mentioned above, check out Purdue University's guide.
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