Identify Pests Header

Identify Pests

Dealing with Winter Moths

Using a Tree Band

  1. Applying a tree band 2-4 feet above the ground in late fall is an effective way to help control winter moths. As the female moths climb the tree, they become trapped in the glue barrier.
  2. Trees should be banded after most of the leaves have dropped in the fall so they don't get stuck to the tree bands.

Signs of Winter Moths

  1. The winter moth caterpillar is a smooth, green inchworm that has a narrow white stripe running lengthwise on each side of its body.
  2. Male winter moths are grayish-brown in color.
  3. Female winter moths have greatly reduced wing size and are smaller than the totally wingless female fall cankerworm moths, which are active at the same time.
  4. The tiny caterpillars spin strands of silk, which they use to carry them into the tree canopies - a tactic called "ballooning."
  5. Winter moths move from bud to bud as they feed. In high populations, they can completely defoliate trees.