What is a recommended action for gypsy moth control?

• A. Look for and destroy egg masses on the trunk, branches, and surfaces around the tree.
• B. Apply soil drenches.
• C. Use pheromone traps.
• D. Prune the tree.

Answer: (A)

Destroying overwintering egg masses is a practical, effective preventive action. Gypsy moths lay eggs on the trunk, branches, and nearby surfaces in late summer and fall, and those masses overwinter until spring. By locating and physically removing or destroying these egg masses, you reduce the number of caterpillars that hatch next season. It’s inexpensive, immediate, and targets the problem at its source before they become defoliating caterpillars.

Other methods aren’t as effective for this stage: soil drenches don’t reach eggs on bark, pheromone traps mainly monitor or slightly reduce adult males and don’t provide strong suppression, and pruning the tree may remove some masses but won’t reliably eliminate eggs on the main trunk and surrounding surfaces and can stress the tree.