See also

Main Article:
Gypsy Moths
and Bt

Butterfly Species At Risk

Summer 2002

• Find egg masses on tree trunks, outdoor furniture, walls, vehicles, etc. If you live outside Lake County, already quarantined for gypsy moths, you can call the Illinois Department of Agriculture's hotline: (866) 296-6684. An entomologist will offer advice and may want to check your neighborhood to determine the extent of the infestation.
• Scrape off egg masses and burn them, bury them under one foot of soil, or seal them in heavy plastic and throw them in the garbage.
• Catch caterpillars as they move up and down tree trunks. (They feed at night but descend to the ground during the day to stay cool and avoid predators.) Wrap tree trunks with a two-foot wide band of burlap or other coarse fabric. Tie a cord around the middle and let the top half flap down and cover the lower. Caterpillars will congregate under the flap. Check traps every day.
• Destroy caterpillars by putting them in soapy water or freezing them.
• Keep your trees healthy by normal good aboriculture: water well during drought, don't nick trunks with mowers, and choose new trees to fit your soil. Most of the Chicago region is expected to have heavy gypsy moth infestations by 2005. The first outbreak in any area is likely to be most severe. Subsequent outbreaks, after disease organisms become established, will be less of a threat to your trees.