Ermine moth on Prunus padus

[MATTMOSS]

I have been asked what I can do/suggest to do about repeated infestations of Ermine moths on Prunus padus on a small housing estate.

I admit that the webs they spin are unsightly and repeated attacks are probably not going to do the trees much good but after having a brief read up on the caterpillars I suggested that nothing be done and wait until the moths leave naturally. As pesticides would probably do more harm than good.

Now tenants are coming back saying that the moths are coming in through the windows, I think this maybe an excuse to try and get the trees removed?

Does anyone have any similar experiences? Is there anything worth while doing to alleviate this issue?

M

[Gary Prentice]

Tell the tenants to close their windows!

 

Joking aside, where is this sited Matt? I,ve never seen them en masse, so I'd like to take a look.

[treequip]

The tents protect the caterpillar, if you destroy the tents with a pressure washer the caterpillars become bird fodder, it wont get rid of all of them but it will reduce the population.

 

On a big infestation its a bit labour intensive mind

[MATTMOSS]

Tell the tenants to close their windows!

 

Joking aside, where is this sited Matt? I,ve never seen them en masse, so I'd like to take a look.

 

PM'd you

[MATTMOSS]

The tents protect the caterpillar, if you destroy the tents with a pressure washer the caterpillars become bird fodder, it wont get rid of all of them but it will reduce the population.

 

On a big infestation its a bit labour intensive mind

 

Seems logical but think ill keep that one to myself, as I would probably be the one having to do it