A Threat to Our Tree Canopy
Text from Wildwood Park Neighborhood Association
“The larvae of these moths can kill an oak tree.
Here's what you need to know:
1. Check your trees for symptoms: half-eaten leaves, caterpillars climbing up and down the bark and egg sacks that look like a smear of peanut butter.
2. Catch and kill the caterpillars: There are affordable and manageable DIY methods. Here is a website from Michigan State that describes the "banding" process. There are materials for this and other treatments through Amazon.
3. The association's board will be formulating an action plan, but we wanted to alert you as soon as possible so you can be as proactive and involved as you choose.
4. This is a big deal: The infestation of this moth is similar in magnitude to that of the emerald ash borer or Dutch elm disease. The risk is high. This moth has wiped out forests. Oak trees are its favorite, although other varieties here are at risk. Saving our trees will take a coordinated effort -- homeowners, the association, hopefully governmental units. If you can pitch in and help stop this moth from devouring the essence of our historic tree canopy, reply to this message and roll up your sleeves. Let's work together.
5. For now, remember, for every caterpillar you catch in June or July, you are preventing 300 to 500 from hatching next year. It's all hands on deck.”
Please see the informational videos below for more information.
If you find these caterpillars on one of your trees, please let us know. If it is a street tree, please report the infestation to 311.
