
Identify Pests
Dealing with Winter Moths
Using a Tree Band
- 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.
- 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
- The winter moth caterpillar is a smooth, green inchworm that has a narrow white stripe running lengthwise on each side of its body.
- Male winter moths are grayish-brown in color.
- 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.
- The tiny caterpillars spin strands of silk, which they use to carry them into the tree canopies - a tactic called "ballooning."
- Winter moths move from bud to bud as they feed. In high populations, they can completely defoliate trees.