gypsy moth
Tree & Shrub Pests

Gypsy Moth in Southern Maryland

By Planet Friendly Pest Control·3 min read

It is well known that the gypsy moth is one of the most dangerous pests in the Southern Maryland area, especially when it comes to forest trees. You do not want to leave these insects to multiply when you have a chance to get rid of them.

If you do not know how to do this, then this article is for you. Read below for more information on the nature of gypsy moths. You will find out how to detect them, as well as how to get rid of them once you do.

01

What Are Gypsy Moths?

The gypsy moth is a common moth that came to the United States in the 1800s for commercial purposes. After a batch of them escaped, they have managed to spread across large portions of the United States. Following this, they caused extensive damage to many trees across the country.

More recently, climate change has caused these moths to spring up more than ever before. There are sudden population booms throughout the nation, especially in the Eastern states.

02

Where Can You Find Gypsy Moths?

You can find these creatures in large numbers in the Eastern USA at present, although they are also found across the nation. They first came from Europe, and so you can discover them across the Atlantic also.

In more specific detail, you can find them in the trees and shrubs of Southern Maryland. This is where their caterpillars are famous for devouring many different tree species as they grow. Their favorite trees to feed on include:

  • Apple
  • Beech
  • Birch
  • Hawthorn
  • Maple
  • Oak
  • Poplar
  • Willow
03

What Are the Symptoms of Gypsy Moths?

The best symptom for an infestation of gypsy moths is to see their caterpillars on affected trees. These caterpillars are hairy and dark in color. They often have five pairs of blue dots in a line on their back and six pairs of red dots.

These caterpillars are the major cause of tree damage. Over time they can even weaken the tree or even kill it as they cause the plant to spend large amounts of energy creating new leaves to sustain itself.

04

How Do You Treat a Gypsy Moth Infestation?

There are several insecticides that can help you with gypsy moth prevention. We recommend that you talk to an expert about which can help you kill off this common pest.

Experts recommend that you use a product that you can inject into the trunk to kill off the caterpillars feeding on it. This will act as both gypsy moth treatment and as a cure for ongoing issues.

05

Where to Learn More

Now that you know more about what happens in a gypsy moth infestation, you might want extra help in dealing with them. Lucky for you, our people are available for you to talk to. If you want and you are in the Southern Maryland area, you can even hire us to get involved in the process.

So call us and chat about your needs. You only need to pick up the phone and give us a call.

gypsy moth

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Planet Friendly Pest Control

Eco-conscious pest control for homes with pets across Southern Maryland & Northern Virginia — serving local homeowners since 2010.....

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