The Invasive Winter Moth: Where It Came From & Why We Treat It
The winter moth is plain-looking but has a unique trait that few other insects possess.
Today, our experts in integrative pest management are here to teach you about winter moths, what makes them unique, why they’re a pest, and more.
If you’re ready to learn these fun facts about the winter moth, just keep reading!
Basics of the Winter Moth
Appearance
Imago Males: In their final phase of life, male winter moths have white, broad, semi-translucent, and brown-speckled wings that loom above their small, dark bodies. As insects, they have six legs.
Imago Females: As adults, female winter moths are fluffy, brown-speckled, thick-bodied beauties with fuzzy antennae and wings so tiny they cannot fly. Flying isn’t necessary for them to procreate, though. The females emit a pheromone that draws males to them, and the males take care of the rest (until the female needs to lay her fertilized eggs).
Larva (Caterpillars): These chunky little critters are of the inch-worm variety; that’s just the informal name for part of their taxonomic classification, and they are still caterpillars and not actual worms. They have six proper legs and two extra prolegs, are duo-toned in shades of green, and are banded all along their back. When nearing a molt, they can look nearly translucent with hints of green.
Pupa: The winter moth cocoon that hangs from a tree branch in early autumn is made of foliage, blending in with the changing leaves.
Unique Trait
Unlike other moths, the winter moth does not overwinter in torpor to withstand freezing temperatures. It uniquely thrives when it is freezing outside, maintaining its activity throughout the colder months as an imago (adult).
Where and When You’ll See Them
- Wherever the light is (like most moths)
- From the beginning of October until the end of January
- Hanging out on trees
Origins of the Winter Moth
The winter moth hasn’t always been in Alabama. In fact, it is not native to the United States or North America.
The winter moth originated in Eurasia and was mistakenly brought to Canada in the 1930s. Historians believe that winter moths were hiding out in the soil of trees from Europe to Canada. Twenty years later, the population of winter moths had grown to become a significant pest.
Then, in 2003, a winter moth population was recognized in parts of the northern U.S. Without a natural predator, it continued to migrate south and thrive. Since then, the winter moth has been an invasive pest across the U.S., including here in Alabama.
Why the Winter Moth is a Pest
Sometimes, we’ll write a blog highlighting an insect just because it’s cool or to set the record straight about a critter that undeservedly gets a bad rep. We’re experts in integrative pest management, though, so pests are what we know best.
The winter moth is a pest because of its larvae. As we have discussed before regarding other moths and some butterflies, winter moth larvae can eat through whole fields of crops in a matter of days. This makes them an enemy of both large and small-scale horticulture professionals (industrial farmers, home and community gardeners, etc.).
Why You Need a Pro for Winter Moths
If your crops have an infestation of winter moths, you’ll need professional intervention. That is unless you have a small garden bed, which you can treat yourself with food-safe pesticides from your local home and garden store. Even then, you risk killing your plants because it can be challenging to get the technique right, and you also risk hurting yourself without professional-grade protective equipment.
Professional treatment on edible plants for winter moths usually requires a pesticide exclusively for commercial and industrial use. Our team has the proper materials, equipment, and extensive training to thoroughly purge your winter moth infestation without harming your food, people, or pets.
Birmingham’s Best in Controlling Pests
Thanks for reading today’s blog!!
For 40+ years, our team of integrative pest management professionals from Vulcan Termite & Pest Control has proudly aided hundreds of families in Birmingham and nearby communities by investigating and solving problems with pests on their property.
We’ll gladly perform a FREE evaluation and create and implement an effective strategy using our tried-and-true methods so you and your family can enjoy a pest-free home.
Are you curious to keep learning about common critters found in Alabama or how to safely and humanely deal with them when they show up on your property uninvited? Check out more of our weekly pest blogs for helpful tips, tricks, and educational content!