MEDIA RELEASE: How to protect your trees from Gypsy Moth

May 19, 2021 – This time each year we see Gypsy Moth emerge, and if not managed, can often cause damage to trees. Here are a few things to keep in mind, including how residents can protect trees on their property.

Gypsy moth on town property

If Gypsy Moth are seen on Town property, please contact Service Caledon - 905.584.2272 x. 7750 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. It will be investigated by Town arborist staff.

Staff will survey the area for egg masses and decide what to do based on the severity of the infestation, level of defoliation, tree health, tree species and available resources.

Gypsy moth on private property

Property owners need to consult with their chosen tree care professional to determine the best way to manage their own property. The Town does not provide service to private properties.

Learn more about Gypsy Moth and how to protect trees on your property including burlapping and pheromone traps: caledon.ca/gypsymoth.

Community members can also report Gypsy Moth sightings to the Invading Species toll-free hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (on public or private property).

How and when to protect trees on your property

May to July

Scrape off caterpillars into water/soap mixture, leave for a few days and then dispose in the garbage. Do not scrape caterpillars onto the ground.

NOTE: Wear gloves since caterpillar hairs can cause skin irritation or allergies.

June to August 

Place burlap bands around trunk where caterpillars will hide during the heat of the day. Check bands regularly and scrape caterpillars into a container with soapy water for a few days and dispose of in garbage.

NOTE: Wear gloves since caterpillar hairs can cause skin irritation or allergies.

July to August 

Set pheromone traps which are intended to attract and trap male adult gypsy moths, to prevent them from mating with females. Generally, this is used as a monitoring technique but may reduce egg mass loading in small areas. Traps should be disposed of in the garbage.

Pheromone traps are available for purchase at home improvement and nature supply stores.

August to early May

Scrape off egg masses into soapy water, leave for a few days and dispose of in the garbage. Do not scrape egg masses onto the ground, this does not kill the eggs and may actually improve survival.

NOTE: Wear gloves since caterpillar hairs can cause skin irritation or allergies.

 

- 30 –

 

Media contact:
Catherine McLean
Director, Customer Service and Communications
905.584.2272 x. 4146 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.caledon.ca | @YourCaledon

 

“This message (and any associated files) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. The content of the message is the property of the Corporation of the Town of Caledon. The message may contain information that is privileged, confidential, subject to copyright and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying, or modification of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately, advising of the error and delete this message without making a copy. (Information related to this email is automatically monitored and recorded and the content may be required to be disclosed by the Town to a third party in certain circumstances). Thank you.”