How do I get rid of gypsy moth eggs?
Destroy egg masses by spraying them with a horticultural oil labeled for gypsy moth egg masses (available at lawn and garden centers or online) or by scraping them off and killing them. Do not use motor oil, mineral oils, non-horticultural oils or others not labeled for gypsy moth.
Can you get sick from gypsy moth caterpillars?
Two diseases that affect Lymantria dispar caterpillars are the most important factors causing outbreaks to collapse. One disease is a nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV) while the other disease is a fungus called Entomophaga maimaiga.
How often do gypsy moth outbreaks occur?
Gypsy moth has only one generation per year. Gypsy moth populations will go through cycles in which the populations will increase for several years then decline, and then increase again.
What fungus kills gypsy moth?
Entomophaga maimaiga
The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, has recently been under significant pressure from the spread of a fungus called Entomophaga maimaiga. A single fungal spore landing on a caterpillar can use an enzyme to make a hole for access into its body. There the fungus multiplies and ultimately kills the caterpillar.
What turns into a gypsy moth?
The gypsy moth undergoes a complete metamorphosis – changing from egg to larva (caterpillar) to pupa to adult. Gypsy moth eggs hatch generally between late April and mid-May. The individual larvae become pupae in late June on into July and remain in this stage for 1 to 2 weeks.
What causes gypsy moth infestation?
A virus disease (nucleopolyhedrosis virus, or NPV) that affects caterpillars usually causes Lymantria dispar outbreaks to collapse after two or three years of heavy defoliation. The Lymantria dispar fungus Entomophaga maimaiga can also kill large numbers of caterpillars in some years.
Where do gypsy moths lay their eggs?
Following mating, the female gypsy moth lays between 600 to 1,000 eggs in a compact, tear-dropped shaped mass of eggs and silk. Females will place these egg masses in a wide range of places – out in the open, under bark flaps, on the sides of houses, under eaves, etc.
How long will gypsy moth caterpillars last?
about 7 weeks
The gypsy moth undergoes a complete metamorphosis – changing from egg to larva (caterpillar) to pupa to adult. Gypsy moth eggs hatch generally between late April and mid-May. The larval, or caterpillar, stage typically lasts about 7 weeks.