Dying birch tree - Ask Extension
We have lots of caterpillars eating our tree. The leaves look stressed and some branches are not doing well. I sprayed one side with Raid and the othe...
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Dying birch tree #757342
Asked June 20, 2021, 7:17 PM EDT
We have lots of caterpillars eating our tree. The leaves look stressed and some branches are not doing well. I sprayed one side with Raid and the other side with a mixture of vinegar, dish soap and water. Neither was effective. Any suggestions? I live in Calhoun county
Calhoun County Michigan
Expert Response
Greetings, spraying the clumps of caterpillars with warm soapy water should work just fine, but I would be cautious to be sure that the Raid product was for plant material-- and not houses. The propellant can contain ingredients that will harm the bark of your tree.
The population should be dying down now, and I have attached several articles that may help you understand them a bit. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-can-you-do-to-manage-gypsy-moths-in-your-landscape
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/gypsy-moth-outbreaks-in-michigan
The population should be dying down now, and I have attached several articles that may help you understand them a bit. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-can-you-do-to-manage-gypsy-moths-in-your-landscape
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/gypsy-moth-outbreaks-in-michigan
