Browntail Moth

How to tell if you have Browntail moths 

The moth’s caterpillars vary in length from 10- 30mm. They have a dark-brown body with rust coloured or yellow-brown hair. A line of white tufts of hair are on each side of the body, and there are two raised red or orange spots near the tail. The moth is white with a tuft of brown hair at the end of the body.

Upon identifying an infestation,  DO NOT tidy up any evidence just Contact Us and we will help/advise with the next step in preparing an eradication program.

The program will consist of:-

• We would start with a thorough inspection of all known and suspected spots where they might be hiding.
• Customer to try get a sample for us to identify.
• We only carry out a treatment when a confirmed infestation is present as this is the correct thing to do for many reasons, but the main one is cost savings. There is no point in paying to try and kill something that is not even present.
• Identifying the insect species causing the problem.
• Education explaining the life cycle and how their habits, habitat, and behavior affects the control plan.
• Treating affected areas by using safe effective control products.
• Scheduling a follow-up visit if required.

Prevention 

From the end of August until September, occasionally check the trees and bushes in your garden for the new brood of caterpillars. They tend to gather on the upper-side of leaves in groups to feed. They can be removed by insecticides at this stage.

During winter, any silken tents in trees and shrubs can be cut out and burnt.