Winter Moth

This insect has made quit a reputation for itself here on Cape Cod. Many homeowners, for the last few years, have watched this pest completely defoliate their trees. Normally a tree can stand to be defoliated, but when this occurs several growing seasons in a row, the trees health begins to seriously decline. Male and female winter moths emerge over a period of several weeks beginning in late November and continue through December. During this time period, the moths mate and the females lay eggs. Typically eggs hatch anytime late March (during atypically warm springs) into the second or third week in April (cool springs). Once leaf buds open, the larvae are known as “free-feeders” given that they are now on the foliage and free to move readily from one area to another. This is the time for most effective control. Winter moth will be in this stage until late May or early June.