Extensions keeping an eye on Gypsy moths
Crystal NelsonMSU Extension offices throughout the state have been receiving phone calls from residents concerned about a possible increase in gypsy moths.
During the Montmorency County board of commissioners meeting Wednesday, Donna Hardies, Montmorency County gypsy moth coordinator, said she has received a couple of calls and isn't sure if there's an upswing in the cycle again.
At the meeting, the board voted unanimously to set a side $1,000 for a study to determine whether the insect is on the rise.
Hardies said at this point she would like to get a couple people to do egg mass counts to see if there really is a problem.
"The recommendation would be to continue as we had in the past of reinstituting the program we participate and follow the states guidelines," she said.
Hardies said she told the state, Montmorency County may be interested and was told that right now there are five or six counties that look like they are going to have a program.
"At this point we're leaving our options open, telling the state we're interested, yet go to the mandatory training," she said.
Alpena County MSU Extension Director Mary Dunckel said she has received a couple of calls about gypsy moths. She said she didn't remember receiving a call about the moths last year. Dunckel said according to those who call, there seem to be a lot of gypsy moths in the Hubbard Lake area, but no defoliation of the trees.
The gypsy moth, which is considered a pest, is not native to North America and was introduced into Massachusetts in 1869 and spread west to other states including Michigan. Gypsy moths defoliate several species of hardwood trees including oak and aspen.
The insect is one of many caterpillars that feed on the leaves of trees. The eastern tent caterpillar and forest tent caterpillar are often confused with the caterpillars for gypsy moths.
The caterpillar for the gypsy moth has a yellow head with black markings and prominent blue and red spots. Gypsy moths do not have silk tents as the eastern tent caterpillar does, but rather a tan colored egg mass which can hold up to 1,500 eggs.
In a newsletter distributed to MSU Extension offices, entomologist Dave Smitley warns that residents may not have to spray for the moths next spring as a natural enemy is prospering. A fungus called entomophaga infects the gypsy moth specifically and turns the caterpillar into a mushroom in about a week.
The fungus will sporulate and infect caterpillars during wet weather conditions. This year's wet spring and summer allowed the fungus to spread quickly.
What can be done to control gypsy moths:
- Keep trees and shrubs healthy, most insects and diseases select those that are being stressed.
- Keep the yard as clean as possible. It limits the places the female gypsy moth can lay their eggs.
- Destroy egg masses. The egg masses are around about nine months before they hatch.
- Barrier bands can be placed around tree trunks to help limit the caterpillars accessibility to the foliage.
Crystal Nelson can be reached via e-mail at cnelson@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693.
