King Township giving away burlap tree wrap to help battle spongy moth this spring

Yorkregion.com
April 22, 2022

King Township is giving away free burlap tree wrap to help residents fight the spongy moth this spring. The township is also offering tips and online resources at king.ca/spongymoth.

The spongy moth (also known as the LDD moth) is an invasive insect found throughout southern Ontario that feeds on hardwood and some softwood tree species. The moth population surges about every seven years with the increase lasting one to three years, according to the township.

Evidence of a naturally occurring virus as well as a naturally occurring fungus have been detected in King, which will contribute to the collapse of the spongy moth population. The fungus and virus are harmless to humans, the township said in a media release.

Spongy moth caterpillars begin to appear in May and become moths in late July and early August. The caterpillars eat leaves, which can cause tree to lose some or all of their canopies. The caterpillars are currently in the egg stage, according to the township.

The township recommends from now until the end of April, residents can manually remove the egg masses by scraping them into a bucket of soapy water. The egg masses should be left in the bucket for two days before being disposed of. It is also recommended to wear gloves and long sleeves while taking the eggs masses off of where they are located.

King Township staff are working with a combination of controls, including manual removal of egg masses on severely infested street and park trees, the use of burlap bands and treating select high-value tree with a biological insecticide.

Manual spraying is only being considered for high-value trees in township parks that are experiencing severe defoliation.

If managing the population becomes unfeasible, the township is recommending that private landowners seek a licensed tree care company for help.

The burlap kits will be available on the following dates:

April 19 to 22 at the King Township Municipal Centre from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

April 20 at Cold Creek Conservation Area (9 to 11 a.m.), Nobleton Arena parking lot (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and Trisan Centre parking lot from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

April 23 at Tasca Park parking lot in Noble (9:30 to 10:30 a.m.) and Cold Creek Conservation Area (9 to 11 a.m.)

May 7 at the Schomberg Parks Depot Yard on Western Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon.