Winter Moth?

9 years ago

Hi everyone, I am wondering whether others have also observed a significant decrease in winter moth activity this year? I am in the Metro West area outside Boston, specifically Bedford. I've seen very few caterpillars so far. My japanese maple and crab apple, which are usually highly infested, are leafing out with nary a sign of caterpillars or webs. The crab apple is actually blooming for the first time in 3 or 4 years. Usually at this point our cars are covered with sticky caterpillar goop, but this year - wonderfully clean! I was reading in the UMass extension update that there were some signs of a decrease this year, but what I am seeing is pretty dramatic compared to the devastation we've seen in recent years. Am I the only one? Am I jinxing myself by speaking too soon?

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Comments (5)

timbz6
9 years ago
My area just east of Providence RI is much better too. I've only seen one winter moth caterpillar so far, there are more Japanese beetle caterpillars though.
atmoscat thanked timbz6
Lalala (zone 6b)
9 years ago
Yes! I've been wondering what's going on! Usually I'm picking them out of my hair and stressing about my trees right now. I've seen a few but way less than usual. We did have moths in the winter. Maybe the crazy ups and downs of temperatures this spring killed the eggs?

I am seeing some teeny-tiny fuzzy gray/black caterpillars, though. Baby gypsy moth?
atmoscat thanked Lalala (zone 6b)
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atmoscat
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for your reply timbz6! I was starting to think I was the only one. I saw more winter moth caterpillars this weekend, but I still think the numbers are down from last year. I also saw a very tiny gypsy moth caterpillar today. I guess we are supposed to have a lot this year. If it's not one thing it's another!
atmoscat
Original Author
9 years ago
lalala, glad to hear you are also getting a break from the winter moths. Even if it is just this year, it will be good to give the trees a chance to recover, especially after the tough year for plants we had last year.
Vladimir (Zone 5b Massachusetts)
9 years ago
Don't know yet if it will be as bad as last year but it has gotten worse just in the last 2 - 3 days.