Gypsy Moths, HELP!

Elizabeth
by Elizabeth
Hi, I don't know about other States but RI is infested with gypsy moths and their cattapillers for two yrs now. I am covered in a rash. I scratch all day and night. They have eaten and distroyed my trees. Dose anyone out there have any ideas how to get these devastating little creatures Out of my trees and rid of them. Please Help!
Elizabeth.
  4 answers
  • Shoshana Shoshana on May 24, 2017

    Tanglefoot Pest Barrier or Sticky Tree Bands can be placed around tree trunks to help curtail the caterpillars movement into and out of the tree canopy.

    Apply Monterey Garden Insect Spray (Spinosad) to the leaves of trees to kill gypsy moth caterpillars. For best results, sprays must be applied when caterpillars are young, less than one inch long. In instances where populations are high, two (or more!) applications five days apart might be needed. Good luck!!

    • Elizabeth Elizabeth on May 24, 2017

      Hi Shoshana, Wow this sounds like a good idea. I'm going to see if Home Depot has this stuff. And i think it is the early stage, these caterpillars are very small. When I hose down the tree all the caterpillars drop down on silk string and hang there till I'm done.

      Thank you for your help. Elizabeth.

  • Judi Scharns Judi Scharns on May 24, 2017

    Check with your local cooperative extension. They have answers that work locally. They also know what is being done about the infestation in the region.

    • Elizabeth Elizabeth on May 24, 2017

      i have not tried that, however I do watch the news and go to their sites. All the news says is we are infested and to kill the nest. First of all, where is the nest? Secondly, when I go shopping when I go shopping all the trees in the lots are covered with a grayish green disease. So I don't need the news to tell me we're infested.

      i will try your suggestion and hopefully get some answers. Thank you, Elizabeth.

  • C. D. Scallan C. D. Scallan on May 24, 2017

    Also , speak with your family physician about the best antihistamine to take as you appear to be having an allergic reaction to them .

    • Elizabeth Elizabeth on May 24, 2017

      Hi CD,

      i looked up and read about my rash. The cattapillers can sting anyone and cause a rash. If you are allergic to them you are in dangerous trouble. I'm not allergic so it says an anti histamine does nothing to help. Allergic people need it because their throats can close up and other side affects.

      Thank you for your reply, I appreciate your help. Elizabeth.

  • Judi Scharns Judi Scharns on May 24, 2017

    These folks have been life savers for me. They know their stuff and they are there to help you and all growers.

    • Elizabeth Elizabeth on May 25, 2017

      hi Judi, You are right. I got very helpful replies here. Including yours. Thank you, Elizabeth.