Nothing disrupts outdoor fun quite like the discovery of invasive insects. Whether emerald ash beetles relentlessly feast on your white ash trees or powderpost beetles begin destroying trees from the inside out, wood-boring insects prove incredibly troublesome. Consult with Raleigh’s professional tree service for help identifying invasive gypsy moths.
First introduced in Massachusetts in the 19th century, gypsy moths have spread rapidly to North Carolina and beyond. But how do gypsy moths kill trees? This article outlines how to identify and treat gypsy moth infestations.
Understanding Gypsy Moths in Raleigh, North Carolina
Gypsy moths seek healthy trees for food and shelter. Female gypsy moths lay large swaths of eggs, sometimes over 1,000 eggs, in well-hidden areas of trees. Gypsy moth eggs appear brown and hairy, often found under tree branches or densely packed canopies.
Gypsy moth larvae emerge during late spring and early summer as they begin feasting on pumpkin ash, sweet gum, white oak, and birch trees. Unlike other wood-boring insects, gypsy moths primarily consume tree foliage. Both conifer and deciduous trees remain prime targets for tree-dwelling gypsy moths.
Common signs of gypsy moth infestations include:
- Tree defoliation
- Foul odors
- Dying trees
- Discolored leaves
Gypsy moth caterpillars can eat over one square foot of leaves per day, causing widespread vascular system strain and damage to trees. An abundant loss of leaves caused by gypsy moths reduces your trees’ ability to absorb nutrients and photosynthesize. Speak to your local tree service experts immediately if you suspect gypsy moth infestations on your residential or commercial property.
What Keeps Gypsy Moths Away
Do gypsy moths kill trees? Absolutely. A thriving colony of gypsy moths quickly destroys, defoliates, and deteriorates forests all over the United States. A gypsy moth-infested tree may host over 10,000 invasive insects, a staggering challenge for Raleigh residents. Follow these tips for minimizing the risks of gluttonous gypsy moths:
Stop the Spread
Female gypsy moths cannot fly, relying instead on alternative means of transportation. Before moving any garden pots, grills, outdoor wooden furniture, or gardening equipment, inspect your items for signs of gypsy moths. Gypsy moth eggs easily migrate to garden beds, landscapes, trees, and into your home without taking the proper safety measures.
Call the Pros
If you remain concerned about “Do gypsy moths kill trees?” seek the help of trained professionals. Store-bought insecticides may harm your trees and fail to provide long-term results. Expert arborists have the equipment, training, and expertise to help you eliminate gypsy moths and help your trees recover from severe damage.
How to Help Your Trees
Defoliated trees remain exposed to blustering winds, harsh UV radiation, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures. Gypsy moths strip trees of essential nutrients, exposing your trees to tree rot, additional wood-boring insects, and diseases. Overcome the challenges of gypsy moths by considering the following tips:
Tree Health Assessment
Professional tree services offer low-cost tree health assessments to help North Carolina residents save their dying trees. Experts can test your soil quality, identify tree heath issues, and develop a comprehensive tree health plan for you. Healthy trees recover more quickly from gypsy moth infestations.
Tree Maintenance Plans
Watering, mulching, and pruning trees ensures the healthy growth of your wounded trees. Consider the benefits of using deep-watering systems, bi-annual trimming and pruning services, and slow-releasing fertilizers to keep your trees from gypsy moths.
Contact Tree Service Professionals in Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh Tree Service has proudly served Wake County and the surrounding areas for many years. As a full-service tree company, our highly trained experts provide stump grinding, tree removal, and emergency tree services at an affordable price. Call Raleigh Tree Service at 919-889-5783 to learn more about how do gypsy moths kill trees!
