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This winter, large numbers of adult Winter Moths were sited in Arlington and surrounding towns. As a result, it is anticipated that there will be substantial damage to trees and plants as eggs hatch, and the caterpillars emerge this spring.
Winter Moth is native to Europe and has been in Eastern Massachusetts for the last five years. It is thought that it arrived on some plant material imported from Nova Scotia where it has been a problem since the 1950’s. There has been little evidence of the pest in Arlington until last year. The eggs hatch in early spring and the tiny caterpillars enter the buds on trees as they begin to swell. Once there, they continue to feed on the developing leaf or flower unnoticed until the foliage emerges and the damage is evident.
Because of this feeding pattern, the insect is difficult to control. The Town of Arlington has a long-standing policy of not spraying public shade trees. The town tree warden will monitor the situation to see if further action is recommended. Concerned residents are advised to contact a tree care professional to explore the various options for treatment. Detailed information is provided by the University of Massachusetts at www.umassgreeninfo.org.
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