Now that the sun is gradually setting earlier it can be disheartening and somewhat depressing to come home after a long day of work to utter darkness. It can be comforting to have a welcoming exterior light to greet you at the door with the promise of a relaxing evening ahead. What is not welcoming is the mess that may be drawn to your exterior lights or front door – the winter moth! Let’s take a look at these creatures which seem to be out in droves and are attracted to the lights of your home.
Winter moths, both male and female, usually emerge around the week of Thanksgiving, and this may continue well through December. This may occur whenever milder temperatures prevail during that time period. You may find the males and females on tree trunks around your home. They may be mating or simply attracted to the lights that are in your home. This may mean that they find their way to your front entryway or the siding of your home (windows with lights on). Many homeowners feel under attack by these creatures which may attempt to enter every time the door is opened.
Winter moths can cause serious damage to deciduous plants and trees in the Northeast region of the United States. The Winter Moth was first introduced to the east coast through Nova Scotia from Europe. The local areas which experience the worst of them include coastal Massachusetts, including Cape Ann and the North Shore of Massachusetts. Unfortunately the pest has spread south into Connecticut and north into Maine, as well.
The Winter Moth caterpillar has been defoliating deciduous plant material at an alarming rate in our region. Trees at risk are maple, oak, cherry, basswood, ash, white elm, crabapple, apple, and blueberry, and they can also drop from trees into your plant beds to feed on perennials.
There are several ways to combat winter moths including treatment for the trunks of trees and plantings so that the eggs can not survive after they are laid. Pest-End Exterminators can recommend the best course of action for your home and property if you find that the moth mess is too much to take and that your trees and plantings are becoming damaged. Call Pest-End Exterminators Toll Free: 800-287-4321 Phone: 603-382-9644 Phone: 978-794-4321.