What is is?
Satin moth is an introduced insect that the caterpillar feeds on leaves of poplar species, willow and oak.
Symptoms
- Moths are white in color with a satin-like luster. Caterpillars are 3.5-4.5 cm long, black with a central row of white or light yellow markings.
- The leaves on trees are stripped and defoliated.
- Rolled leaves are a sign of cocoons inside.
Damages
- The insect can cause defoliation, but healthy trees can usually recover from the attack.
- Repeated, severe defoliation can lead to branches dieback, or even tree death.
What to do?
- Keep your tree healthy and have energy to recover after attack.
- Provide chemical-free environment for natural predators to do their job.
- Place sticky band around lower trunk in early spring.
- High-pressure water can wash off newly hatched larvae.
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