Davis Tussock Moth caterpillar is here again 10/17/2017

Gardening Minute

10/17/2017

This is Jason Lamb with your Gardening Minute.

The Davis Tussock Moth caterpillar is here again.  The Tussock Moth seems to come out every year this time and feed as much as possible on Mulberry trees.

The Davis’ Tussock Moth caterpillar is a hairy black and white caterpillar that has brown to yellow tuffs at each end of its body and a black strip down its back. The adult is a yellow sphinx moth that has colorful iridescent spots, and is considered a tiger moth.

So what can a home owner do? Well, on one hand Mulberry trees have tertiary buds that allow them to produce more leaves after they have been defoliated. And if the tree is healthy it should weather the storm. Plus mulberry trees will be losing their leave soon anyway because of the cold weather and the moth will also be gone do to the cold temperatures.  So a home owner may choose to do nothing.

However if you decide to spray for the caterpillars the safest insecticide to use on any caterpillar is Thuricide which is safe for all vertebrates and is a BT compound. Trees should be sprayed thoroughly on the base of the trunk and on major branches. Please read and follow the label for use.

For more information about the Davis Tussock Moth please contact us at the Cooperative Extension Office at 461-0562.  This has been your Gardening Minute with Jason Lamb your Quay County Ag. Extension Agent. Where are programs are open to everyone.