Winter moth, this inconspicuous moth also flies in winter. Then the female lays eggs on the leaf buds of deciduous trees, including fruit trees.
Winter moth (Operophtera brumata). This inconspicuous moth also flies in winter. Then the female lays eggs on the leaf buds of deciduous trees, including fruit trees. The caterpillars curve their backs as they move forward; hence the name spanworms or loopers. The caterpillars bring damage to the leaves and flower buds.
The females of the winter butterfly do not have wings.
Where to find
- Ornamental and vegetable garden
- Deciduous trees, including
- Fruit trees
Control
After flowering, check the young leaves and flower buds for caterpillars. When the caterpillars are still small, spraying with nettle spray is effective.
Prevention
Since the females cannot fly and thus must crawl up along the trunk, the application of a thirty-cm wide grease band at a height of 1.5 meters is an effective means of preventing the females from laying eggs. Don’t forget to apply a grease band to the support posts as well.
