Prevent Gypsy Moths with Nutri-Lawn Ottawa
After the not-so-hot summer temperatures this year, it's hard to believe that fall is already here. But, try as we might, there's no postponing the arrival of autumn any longer. September pests have started to arrive, and they're ready to munch away at all the hard work you've put into your yard over the summer months. We all know that fall means the arrival of the dreaded and destructive gypsy moths.
Gypsy moths feed on your trees, and weaken their fortifications. While Nutri-Lawn Ottawa won't be able to provide you with any chemicals to fight these foes, we can provide you with equally effective, but significantly more environmentally friendly preventative and control methods. By using your Nutri-Lawn Ottawa inground sprinkler system and some patient diligence, you can have a healthy property once more! Find out how your Ottawa inground irrigation will protect your trees this autumn.
Uncovering the gypsy moth
European gypsy moths didn't arrive in Canada until around 1869, so for a long time, they were allowed to rapidly repopulate without any natural predators. Fortunately, we now know about the severe damage they can cause to our trees, and can engage in manual control methods.
Gypsy moth eggs will appear in vast masses across your tree trunks and branches. These masses are easy to spot, and will likely be your initial indicator for a gypsy moth problem – unless you already have an adult infestation.
In that case, you'll begin to notice damage to your tree leaves. Following this, your trees will become weak, and susceptible to other insects and diseases, unless you've already engaged in active control methods such as your Nutri-Lawn Ottawa inground sprinkler system.
Using Ottawa inground irrigation as a preventative measure
First things first – prepare your trees for the worst. Strengthen your tree roots with careful watering from your Nutri-Lawn Ottawa inground sprinkler system. Don't make the mistake of denying your trees their own irrigation head. Trees need a hefty quantity of water to stay strong, and may not be getting enough if you're not providing them with an adequate water source. Trees can also soak up water from the lawn, therefore weakening your grass roots.
Nutri-Lawn Ottawa recommends watering your trees weekly. To retain the moisture, surround the base of your tree with mulch. Mulch prevents evaporation, and also protects against root damage.
Get 'em while they're young
The best way to eliminate gypsy moths is to eradicate the issue before it's allowed time to mature. When egg masses begin to appear on your tree trunks, scrape them into tubs of hot soapy water or vacuum them off the tree. You can also hose them off with your Ottawa inground irrigation. Early September is the time when eggs start appearing. They'll stay on the tree to mature throughout winter and will hatch in April, if you don't get rid of them before then.
Getting rid of caterpillars
If you weren't able to get rid of the eggs before they hatched, it's time to kick it up a notch. Make friends with neighbourhood birds by installing birdbaths and feeders. They'll quickly begin to snack on gypsy moth eggs and caterpillars. Talk to your Nutri-Lawn Ottawa inground sprinkler systems specialist about setting up your sprinklers to refill the birdbaths.
Next, apply sticky paper around the trunk of your tree. Caterpillars will stick to this, and you can then vacuum them off. If that doesn't work, wrap burlap around the trunk and tie it around the middle with rope. When the top half flops over, it will make a perfect trap for gypsy moth caterpillars. You can then go about eliminating them.
Fight off gypsy moths and other fall foes this year with spectacular Nutri-Lawn Ottawa inground sprinkler systems. Receive your complimentary quote from Nutri-Lawn Ottawa today!