2014 Miller Moth Season - Ask Extension
Last year's miller moth invasion was horrible for us in Franktown, CO. Any prediction on what this season will be like?Thanks,Deb
Knowledgebase
2014 Miller Moth Season #169004
Asked March 05, 2014, 7:04 PM EST
Last year's miller moth invasion was horrible for us in Franktown, CO. Any prediction on what this season will be like?
Thanks,
Deb
Thanks,
Deb
Douglas County Colorado
Expert Response
Still too early to tell with any certainty. The best indicator next to look for is whether the larval stage (army cutworm caterpillars) are abundant, which would indicate how many there might be. So far, no reports that there are unusual numbers - unlike last year when several outbreaks were recorded.
However, the other thing in play is that we are going into spring with good moisture which should translate into good spring bloom. With lots of flowers the moths are spread out. Last year, a droughty year with a late spring frost, the moths concentrated in yards since that was pretty much where all the flowers were.
So my guess is that in your area it likely will be considerably lighter as a nuisance problem, but still too early.
However, the other thing in play is that we are going into spring with good moisture which should translate into good spring bloom. With lots of flowers the moths are spread out. Last year, a droughty year with a late spring frost, the moths concentrated in yards since that was pretty much where all the flowers were.
So my guess is that in your area it likely will be considerably lighter as a nuisance problem, but still too early.