This Major Gypsy Moth Caterpillars Outbreak Can Ruin Your Next Camping Trip
Have you been out and about in a public park near you? You must’ve likely seen the hairy and utterly creepy gypsy moth caterpillars coating an entire tree bark in thousands! This article will give you a brief rundown on how to get rid of them.
Recently, a video got viral on TikTok showcasing a camping trip destroyed by the gypsy moth infestation. Not only the caterpillars were surrounding the exterior of the tent, numerous of these crawly creatures managed to get inside as well (yikes!).
The person who uploaded was seen to be scrapping an outrageous amount of gypsy moth caterpillars off the tent. They were present on the car tires, picnic benches, bushes, and almost everywhere.
Here’s the video if you’d like to personally witness the nightmare yourself:
Think twice before you plan your next camping trip nearby, as the infestation will be growing and not leaving anytime soon.
What are Gypsy Moth Caterpillars?
They are a highly invasive defoliating moth species Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD) that has devastating effects on the host trees. These are non-native and their first introduction in Canada and other North American regions dates back to the 1980s. These are found throughout Southern Ontario.
The worst trait of the gypsy moth caterpillars is eating anything green. Worth mentioning is that only the caterpillar stage is destructive in nature; adult moths only have one purpose i.e. reproduction.
The LDD population is on an upward rise ever since first coming to Ontario in 1969. They love to feast on hardwood species, including oak, birch, sugar maple, and beech, but the enormous outbreak can be seen on any tree specimen.
How harmful are these invasive species?
A single gypsy moth caterpillar has the capacity to eat one square foot of foliage, while a group can completely strip a canopy! Over time, it can weaken trees with diseases and even kill them. Even if they do not bite, it is highly possible you may get a skin rash or an allergy if you come in contact with its hair.
Now, dog owners may be wondering if they are equally as dangerous to their furry friends. The answer is yes. Your dog can have serious consequences on coming in contact with the fur. Don’t let the dog play near one of those infested trees.
Horrifying information aside, here are some easy and common ways people are preventing this major infestation:
First, Identify the Gypsy Moth
Being able to identify LDD or gypsy moth in its various life stages can be helpful. The stages include egg mass, caterpillar, pupa, and then finally moth. The female moth cannot fly. The male and female moths appear slightly different in appearance and wing size, but the caterpillar is about 5–6 cm long and brown in color. It has five pairs of blue dots and six pairs of red dots on its back — interesting, isn’t it?
A few google searches will instantly give you an idea about how these caterpillars look like.
Common Ways to Treat
- If you ever come across a gypsy moth’s egg mass attached to a tree trunk or furniture, it’s best to immediately remove, burn and dispose of. Another way is soaking egg masses in soap and water, a popular homemade cure.
- One can easily buy a biological insecticide spray from their local store and use it on the infested tree in their backyard. However, chemical usage on a large scale carries a long-term negative impact on nature, which I discuss later in the post.
- Many have tried and tested a method in which you wrap tree trunks in burlap. Using a burlap cloth around the tree will help catch the gypsy moth caterpillars moving across as it is a hiding place, and you may remove a bunch at once using the soapy water technique (wearing gloves, of course). Another way is to use duct tapes to create a barrier for the caterpillars whilst trapping them.
- Another way to treat the early stages of infestation is by using LDD moth traps, also known as pheromone traps. These traps that smell like the pheromones of female moths are targeted to confuse and trap male moths. This will prevent mating and, in turn, creating more invasion.
Stay informed at all times
Various managements are opting for Btk, a biological spray to be used in provincial parks and properties. Aerial application is most appropriate to cover a broad scale of foliage. It’s not exactly a chemical; the pesticide is derived naturally from Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) in soil.
After application, when susceptible larvae come in contact and ingest this bacterium (Btk), a chemical reaction occurs inside resulting in the death of larvae. The problem is, this can kill all Lepidoptera (every butterfly and moth) at the larval stage. Any insect that goes from egg to caterpillar to pupa to moth, is affected.
Butterflies and moths larvae play an integral role in the ecosystem; during the breeding season, birds depend entirely on these to feed their nestlings. Some species are just rare and need not be further exploited. There must be enough awareness around this small but pressing issue in Ontario.
Btk biodegrades in a matter of a few days on exposure to the sun which emphasizes its low-risk nature. It cannot eradicate the problem; the population is reduced gradually. Human life is not at stake if used as directed.
Nature is Powerful
There are people calling it a “voracious tree destroyer” and there are people who believe that nature can tackle the issue itself. They think the impact from the gypsy moth caterpillars will soon die down in late August, and the infestation only lasts for about 3–7 years. The trees have resilience and the species soon diminish.
The visitors at the Pinery provincial park were able to see a beautiful entrance of Ontario’s hidden gem when the defoliation paved a way to let the sunshine peek through.
The gypsy moth caterpillars cannot wipe out the whole forest like a wildfire. Yes, the damage is visibly unpleasant but humans should take a step back and let nature figure things out.
Create a Safe Campsite
People planning to go on camping trips must ensure they wear long-sleeved shirts and hats to protect themselves from the ‘frass’ (caterpillar feces). It is extremely helpful to use a tarp shed over your sitting area for added protection. Like I said before, avoid touching the gypsy moth caterpillars with your bare hands in any case to prevent serious allergic reactions.
PSA: It’s best for Canadians to camp in the fall. Nonetheless, implement the suggestions mentioned in this post if you go hiking because the lockdown has just lifted and it’s summer (duh).
