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HELPFUL TIPS TO HELP CONTROL GYPSY MOTH POPULATION WITHIN LAKE OF THE PINES
Lake of the Pines Community is surveyed annually in the fall by the Clare County Conservation Gypsy Moth Suppression Teams.
Over the last 3 years, an increase of egg masses have been detected in 1 specific “HOT SPOT” section of LOP. This area includes Shadowbrook, Cedarhurst, Woodland, White Acre, Greenbriar, Birchwood, and Woodridge area.
The majority of the egg masses have been located on homes, garages, sheds, overhangs, electrical boxes, wishing wells, kids playscapes, foundations, and wood piles. These locations may be seasonal and vacant homes. The homes usually have wooden exteriors and shady sides of the buildings.
The egg masses are anywhere from the size of a dime to as large as a silver dollar and larger. The egg masses have anywhere from 500 to 10,000 eggs depending on the size.
The egg masses are a beige color and feel velvety. Around the egg masses, pupae is usually detected and that is the shell from which the gypsy moth caterpillar becomes a moth in the fall. In 2017, the moths hatched in late July, early August.
The female gypsy moth is white with flecks of black and has a goldish spot on her head and does not fly. The male is brownish and they mate and she lays the egg mass and then dies.
There are specific ways to remove the egg masses to destroy so that the population does not increase for the next year.
- The easiest way to remove the egg mass/masses is using a putty knife, playing card, or business card.
- Carefully go behind the egg masses and “PEEL” it off into a dish of “SOAPY” water or paper bag.
- Any eggs that fall to the ground will hatch next year. Winter does not kill the eggs so care should be taken when removing.
- The dish soap container will kill the eggs and burning the egg masses is also a great alternative.
- Remove all the pupae at the same time.
For a more detailed look at the gypsy moth, you can also go to clarecd.org
