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Winter Moths Will Be Bigger Problem In The Spring

BOSTON (CBS) - You may have seen them around your house over the weekend: the winter moths are back.

WBZ-TV meteorologist Pamela Gardner went straight to the experts to find out what, if anything you can do about them. The following information is from Quentin Nowland of Lynch Landscape & Tree Service, Inc.:

Have you seen more moths than usual? Maybe around the flood lights at your house or flying in your headlights on the way home from work?

Given the warmer than normal weather pattern, the winter moths have been very active the past week. These moths are harmless in the winter as the males (flying) and females (non-flying) are mating and laying eggs. Typically the winter moths lay eggs in the crevices of tree bark. In early spring, the eggs hatch and tiny caterpillars emerge. The caterpillars wiggle their way into the leaf buds and begin feeding. The caterpillars are protected while inside the leaf bud.

The leaf buds begin to expand in mid/late April. At this point the caterpillars become "free feeders" and start to disperse and migrate to other trees. The caterpillars are very serious pests that can defoliate entire trees if left untreated. Winter moth caterpillars feed on fruit trees, maples, oaks and other deciduous trees.

There are various treatment options for the caterpillars in the spring which includes spraying bee-friendly products.

In conclusion, the moths are more of a nuisance; however, the presence of the moths most likely indicates you will have issues with defoliating winter moth caterpillars in the spring.

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