Gypsy Moth Update: Seek and Destroy All Accessible Egg Masses

As many Lincolnshire residents know, gypsy moth populations throughout the Village (and the entire region) have been on the rise over the past couple years. Areas that, in previous years, showed little or no gypsy moth presence, now have large enough populations to warrant serious control efforts. Fortunately for the Village of Lincolnshire, our aerial spraying efforts (aimed at limiting tree damage resulting from gypsy moth caterpillars) proved to be very effective.

Continuation of aerial spraying is subject to budget restraints. Therefore, it cannot be overemphasized that PHYSICAL REMOVAL AND/OR DESTRUCTION IS THE BEST METHOD FOR REDUCING AND CONTROLLING THE GYPSY MOTH POPULATION IN LINCOLNSHIRE.

From September until May, Gypsy Moths are in the egg stage of their life cycle. You can find the gypsy moth "egg masses" (each containing up to 1,000 individual eggs), affixed to tree trunks, wood piles, house walls, and on just about any other outdoor surface. The egg masses, which are tan colored and fuzzy, measure about 3/4" x 1". Lincolnshire residents who observed gypsy moth caterpillars this summer should seek out all accessible egg masses and destroy them as follows (PLEASE NOTE: Egg mass destruction procedures have changed):

1. Prepare a bucket or other container.

2. Use a knife, pencil, or stick to scrape all accessible egg masses into the container. (Please Note: the egg masses will detach and crumble very easily so be sure that all the tiny eggs make it into the container.)

3. Transfer the collected eggs to a grill, fire pit, or other fire appropriate location and burn them. (If you have a charcoal grill, just throw them on the hot embers. However if you use a gas grill, simply wrap them in tin foil and let them cook for a few minutes).

4. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CRUSH THE EGG MASSES (They are very hard and numerous, and you will inevitably miss thousands of them.)

5. DO NOT SOAK EGG MASSES IN WATER. While this used to be an accepted method of destroying gypsy moth eggs, recent studies have shown that many eggs may survive the soap bath.

Gypsy Moths will never be completely eradicated from Lincolnshire, but with a little bit of effort, you can ensure that the trees on your property are safe from this destructive pest.