How to protect your trees from Gypsy Moth

Email icon Back to Search
Tablet with Town logo

May 20, 2021 - Gypsy moth progress update:

  • Town staff and TRCA continue to monitor Town and conservation properties.
  • The TRCA is aerial spraying two of their properties today including Albion Hills Conservation Area and Glen Haffy Conservation Area.
  • Staff have scraped egg masses along the Caledon Trailway from Humber Station Road to Centreville Creek Road and from trees that have been brought to our attention. Staff are also ground spraying oak trees at Dicks Dam Park and Stonehart Park.

May 19, 2021 – This time each year we see Gypsy Moth emerge, and if not managed, can often cause damage to trees. Here are a few things to keep in mind, including how residents can protect trees on their property.

Gypsy moth on town property

If Gypsy Moth are seen on Town property, please contact Service Caledon - 905.584.2272 x. 7750 or info@caledon.ca. It will be investigated by Town arborist staff.

Staff will survey the area for egg masses and decide what to do based on the severity of the infestation, level of defoliation, tree health, tree species and available resources.

Gypsy moth on private property

 Property owners need to consult with their chosen tree care professional to determine the best way to manage their own property. The Town does not provide service to private properties.

Learn more about Gypsy Moth and how to protect trees on your property including burlapping and pheromone traps: caledon.ca/gypsymoth.

Community members can also report Gypsy Moth sightings to the Invading Species toll-free hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or email info@invadingspecies.com (on public or private property).

How and when to protect trees on your property

May to July

Scrape off caterpillars into water/soap mixture, leave for a few days and then dispose in the garbage. Do not scrape caterpillars onto the ground.

NOTE: Wear gloves since caterpillar hairs can cause skin irritation or allergies.

June to August 

Place burlap bands around trunk where caterpillars will hide during the heat of the day. Check bands regularly and scrape caterpillars into a container with soapy water for a few days and dispose of in garbage.

NOTE: Wear gloves since caterpillar hairs can cause skin irritation or allergies.

July to August 

Set pheromone traps which are intended to attract and trap male adult gypsy moths, to prevent them from mating with females. Generally, this is used as a monitoring technique but may reduce egg mass loading in small areas. Traps should be disposed of in the garbage.

Pheromone traps are available for purchase at home improvement and nature supply stores.

August to early May

Scrape off egg masses into soapy water, leave for a few days and dispose of in the garbage. Do not scrape egg masses onto the ground, this does not kill the eggs and may actually improve survival.

NOTE: Wear gloves since caterpillar hairs can cause skin irritation or allergies.

 

- 30 –

 

Media contact:
Catherine McLean
Director, Customer Service and Communications
905.584.2272 x. 4146 | catherine.mclean@caledon.ca
www.caledon.ca | @YourCaledon