Forest Tent Caterpillar - Problem? - Ask Extension
Hello,
I live in Hinesburg Vermont and am observing a massive presence of what I believe are Forest Tent Caterpillars on my property. They ar...
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Forest Tent Caterpillar - Problem? #752814
Asked May 29, 2021, 8:39 AM EDT
Hello,
I live in Hinesburg Vermont and am observing a massive presence of what I believe are Forest Tent Caterpillars on my property. They are all over the sides of the garage, house, and since I started looking in many of the trees. I've never noticed them on the house/garage before in the 20yrs we have lived here.
Question: Is this a problem? Should anything be done to help control them?
Kind Regards, Jim
Chittenden County Vermont
Expert Response
Hello Jim: We are experiencing an outbreak of Gypsy Moths right now. I'm thinking this is probably what you are dealing with (like many other folks)! I have attached some information for you on this. Hope this helps.
Lisa - UVM Master Gardener Helpline
Lisa & Co,
Thanks so much for the info. Gypsy Moths. Exactly.
Are there any regional efforts/discussions to treat the problem w/ Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) or similar? ie: Town Spraying or something like that? I'm feeling very outnumbered on our property : )
Best, Jim
Hi Jim,
I am not sure. I will ask Judy Rosovsky, VAAFM entomologist. There may be some talk about spraying in other areas of the state. It is a pretty big outbreak. I will be in touch when I hear from her.
Ann
I am not sure. I will ask Judy Rosovsky, VAAFM entomologist. There may be some talk about spraying in other areas of the state. It is a pretty big outbreak. I will be in touch when I hear from her.
Ann
Hi,
Just heard back from Judy and VAAFM or Forest and Parks is not doing any spraying.
Just heard back from Judy and VAAFM or Forest and Parks is not doing any spraying.
"FPR is not planning to do any and as far as I know neither is Ag. It’s a bit too late in their development to apply Btk. We were waiting for a wet spring to bring back the Entomophaga maimaiga and nuke the GM. Didn’t happen. Maybe next year."