Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County is once again making burlap bands available for free to interested citizens seeking to control the spread of gypsy moths on their property.  Westlawn residents can pick up burlap bands and "how-to" pamphlets at Supervisor Penny Gross' office, Mason District Station (703-256-7717).

The gypsy moth has not been a major problem in Fairfax County the past few years.  A successful suppression program and a naturally occurring fungus are the reason.  The county wants residents to keep up the fight against the gypsy moth.

Fairfax County also would like interested residents to help monitor caterpillar populations this year.  Residents would burlap band one or two trees, count the number of caterpillars each day, and report these results back to the Gypsy Moth Program office at 324-5304.

This information was last updated November 1996

The gypsy moth is currently one of the most serious insect threats of forests, woodlands, shade trees, and landscape plants in the United States. Fairfax County established an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program in 1982 because of the damaging effects of this insect. The IPM approach includes the use of a variety of biological, mechanical, and chemical suppression methods. Searching out, scraping off, and destroying gypsy moth egg masses on your property is a very effective mechanical method of managing this insect pest.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:  Gypsy moth egg masses look like a fuzzy, tan-colored bump approximately 1 1/2 inches long by 3/4 inches wide. They are covered with a dense coating of tiny hairs and typically resemble a small piece of chamois cloth. EACH EGG MASS MAY CONTAIN UP TO 1,000 EGGS!

WHEN TO LOOK:  Egg masses are typically laid in July soon after the moths mate. The eggs, which are able to survive through the winter, hatch the following spring. Do at least one thorough search in August or September.

WHERE TO LOOK:  Egg masses are most often found on the trunks of preferred host trees such as oak, beech, willow, apple, and birch. However, they can be found on or under just about anything. Your search should also include tree limbs, rocks, stumps, buildings, vehicles, outdoor furniture, decks, toys, lawn ornaments, wooden fences, birdhouses, etc.

WHAT TO DO:  Count all egg masses you find. Scrape the egg masses you can reach into a container and kill the eggs by adding soapy water. Let them soak for at least 24 hours. DO NOT SCRAPE THE EGG MASSES ONTO THE GROUND--THE EGGS WILL STILL HATCH IN THE SPRING! Print and fill out the report form. Please return the form to the Gypsy Moth Program by October 1st.

Important Tips:

• Egg masses that appear faded, tattered, and spongy are last year's. They have already hatched out and should not be counted this year as they pose no threat.
• Avoid direct contact between skin and egg masses. The coating of tiny hairs may irritate the skin of some people. Use a putty knife or spoon, etc., to scrape off the egg masses. If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves.
• Do not spray egg masses with any type of insecticide. This will kill only a few eggs, if any. It will kill beneficial insects that parasitize gypsy moth egg masses.
• Do several searches between August and April. You may find egg masses that were missed on previous searches.
• When conducting your search on tall trees, try to use binoculars to look high up for the egg masses that cannot be seen from the ground.
• Encourage your neighbors and friends to search, scrape, destroy, and report egg masses. You'll be doing them and yourself a favor.
• Be sure to search every "nook and cranny" on your property. Egg masses can be found everywhere.
• If there are egg masses which you cannot reach, don't be discouraged from scraping off whatever you can. Remember, for each egg mass you scrape off and destroy, you are eliminating hundreds of future caterpillars. Every little bit helps protect your trees. it's well worth your effort!
• Please do not exaggerate your counts. Doing so will not be helpful in any way.

As you carry out your search, scrape, and destroy activity, please keep a count of all egg masses you are able to see, whether you can reach to destroy them or not.

Please record your FINAL count when completing the report form and return it to the Gypsy Moth Program by October 1st.

Please do not be concerned about destroying egg masses before Gypsy Moth Program staff complete their own County-wide field survey. Staff are trained to recognize areas of infestation even after you have destroyed all egg masses you are able to reach on your property.

Your participation in the Search, Scrape & Destroy Campaign is a commendable effort that benefits everyone. Together we can make a difference and protect our trees in Fairfax County.

CATERPILLAR:
APRIL -- JUNE

• Caterpillars have five pair of blue dots and six pair of red dots on their backs.
• They have many tufts of stiff hairs.
• they do not make webs or "tents."
• Caterpillars are the stage that cause damage by feeding on leaves.

PUPAE:
JUNE -- JULY

• Stage at which caterpillars turn into moths.
• Pupae are dark brown.

EGG MASSES:
TYPICALLY LAID IN JULY, SOMETIMES INTO AUGUST

• Egg masses are a rich tan color and covered with a dense coating of tiny hairs.
• They are about the size of a quarter.
• Eggs typically hatch the following April.

ADULT MOTHS:
JULY -- AUGUST

• The male is brown and about the size of a quarter.
• The female is white with brown wavy markings. She does not fly.
• Moths do not feed.

OTHER GYPSY MOTH PUBLICATIONS:

• Gypsy Moth Control Options for the Homeowner, GM #1
• Gypsy Moth Look Alikes, GM #3
• Spray Material Fact Sheet, GM #4
• How to Hire an Aerial Spray Applicator, GM #5
• First Aid for Trees Damaged by Gypsy Moths
• Burlap Banding for Gypsy Moth Caterpillars