How To Spot And Remove Gypsy Moth Egg Masses

26 Jan How To Spot And Remove Gypsy Moth Egg Masses

Have you ever noticed those fuzzy grey caterpillars with red spots all over your lawn, garden and/or trees? These little critters are called gypsy moth caterpillars and while they may look furry and harmless, they can cause a great deal of damage to the trees around your home.

Learning how to spot gypsy moth egg masses can help prevent a great deal of destruction to your lawn and garden as you can eliminate the problem at the root before things go south. To find out what gypsy moth egg masses look like and learn how to remove them, keep on reading!

How To Spot Gypsy Moth Egg Masses

So how can you locate gypsy moth egg masses around your lawn and garden? Gypsy moth egg masses typically have a tan or yellow colour and they are covered with fuzz. They can be hidden on trees as well as on objects that are left outdoors, such as vehicles and garbage cans. Egg masses typically are about 4cm in size and can contain anywhere between 500 – 1000 eggs. These masses can either be laid in groups or individually. They can typically be found anytime between July and April, therefore it is important to inspect your outdoor areas to ensure that you locate these egg masses before they hatch.

How To Remove Gypsy Moth Egg Masses

Now that you know what these egg masses look like, how can you safely remove these egg masses? To safely remove gypsy moth egg masses, you will need a paint scraper, a bucket of soapy water and gloves. Gypsy moths can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people, therefore it is important to wear gloves when handling them. Place the bucket below where the egg mass is located and use your paint scraper to carefully scrape and drop the eggs into the bucket. Leave the eggs in the bucket for a day or two, before disposing of them.

How To Remove Caterpillars That Have Already Hatched

If you’re already experiencing these caterpillars around your lawn and garden, there are safe and effective solutions for eliminating them. The Environmental Factor has been pioneering natural and safe green solutions for protecting the home, lawn, garden and agricultural industry since 1991. Browse our wide selection of home, garden and lawn products today! Click here to learn more!