Gypsy Moths in Kanata North - Summer 2021
What you need to know and what you can (and should do about it) - in the summer of 2021. This page has been retained for reference.
Lymantria dispar dispar, known locally as "Gypsy Moths" have surged in 2021 (they surge every 6 to 7 years), causing substantial damage to trees in several areas in Ottawa.
In the caterpillar stage, they can quickly eat or remove leaves and needles from a wide variety of trees (although Oak is their favourite), which can damage or kill the tree.
In 2021, Kanata North has not been a hot spot, but many of you will have seen the caterpillars on trees in your neighbourhood and (especially now in mid-July) male moths fluttering around trees and bushes.
There is only one mating per season. July is when the moths hatch and the laying of eggs happens for next year.
How to deal with them:
- Prevent the caterpillars from climbing the tree by wrapping the trunk in burlap
- Prevent the hatched moths from breeding with simple traps for the males
The following are links for more information
- Gypsy Moths (Wikipedia)
- Ottawa (link)
- Ontario (link)
The following are two ways of making your own male moth traps:
For both traps you will need a "lure", to include in the trap. The KBCA has access to a limited number of lures.
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