Search Results for: caterpillars

Another big outbreak of invasive gypsy moth caterpillars expected in 2021

Photos courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County: (Left) Newly emerged gypsy moth caterpillars appear all black, with small tufts of hair along the length of their body. Many gypsy moth caterpillars are shown feeding on an oak tree at Boxwood Cemetery in Medina on May 25, 2021. The shorter black clumps on the leaves are shed skin from the caterpillars molting into the next stage of development.

Posted 28 May 2021 at 3:15 pm

Press Release, Katie Oakes, horticulture educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County is bracing for another season of damage and defoliation from the invasive European Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar.

The Diagnostic Helpline at the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension received an extraordinary number of calls in 2020 regarding gypsy moth caterpillars. It appears WNY is in the midst of a pretty substantial multi-year outbreak, and 2021 will likely see high numbers of gypsy moth caterpillars in the Orleans County again.

Typically, outbreaks will show high amounts of gypsy moths for 2-4 years, then the population will collapse due to natural causes such as predators, parasites or disease. That is little comfort, however, for homeowners watching the caterpillars severely defoliate valued landscape plants or large portions of woodlots right now.

This photo from July 4, 2020 shows the distinctive blue and orange dots of a mature gypsy moth caterpillar. Homeowners have very limited options for managing caterpillars of this size.

As of this last week of May, gypsy moth caterpillars have emerged from their egg masses and have begun feeding. When they are small, they appear mostly black and hairy, and they disperse by “ballooning” – the caterpillars will send out a silk and float on the wind to other trees and shrubs to begin feeding.

As the caterpillars feed, they molt several times – shedding their skin as they grow larger and changing appearance from early stages to more mature larval instars. The mature larvae will be dark in color, covered in hairs, and have pairs of orange and blue dots along the length of their body.

Gypsy moth caterpillars can grow to be over 2 inches long, and as they reach maturity, they can consume massive amounts of leaf tissue in a single day.

The preferred tree species for this invasive pest are oaks, willows, poplars, birch and apple trees, but they will feed on many other deciduous tree species as well as some conifers. Most healthy mature deciduous trees can withstand one season of defoliation – once the gypsy moth larvae finish feeding and pupate, the trees can usually send out a second flush of leaves mid-summer.

Trees that have suffered complete or almost complete defoliation for 2 or 3 years in a row, or trees that are young or otherwise stressed may have a harder time recuperating from defoliation. Conifers can be killed from a single season of defoliation.

DEC forester Garrett Koplun recommends regularly irrigating any landscape trees with significant defoliation. Keeping soil moisture levels even by deeply watering (to a depth of 12-18”) extending out to the dripline is the best thing homeowners can do to reduce stress on trees affected by gypsy moth caterpillars.

For homeowners wanting to reduce the amount of defoliation and damage done by the caterpillars this year, timing is critical. Manual removal is an option, picking or scraping the caterpillars off of host plants into a bucket of soapy water and then discarding after they die.  Use caution when touching the caterpillars as their hairs can cause an adverse skin reaction in some people. Manually removing caterpillars may not be practical, however, if there are massive amounts or caterpillars or if they are out of reach on taller landscape trees.

There are pesticide sprays available on the market registered for use against gypsy moth caterpillars, but they are most effective when caterpillars are smaller than 1” long. It can also be difficult for homeowners to treat using pesticides if the caterpillars are high up in mature trees.

As the gypsy moth life cycle progresses, homeowners are more and more limited in management options. More information about gypsy moth life cycles and links to management options can be found at the NYSIPM blog article (click here) from July 2020 “People are talking about Gypsy Moths.”

Gypsy moth caterpillars can feed for up to 6 weeks each season, so homeowners are encouraged to check their trees regularly for gypsy moth caterpillars and to consider thresholds of tolerance and management choices now in order to better plan for later in the season.

For identification or more information on gypsy moths or other insects and diseases in the home landscape, contact Katie Oakes, Horticulture Educator with Orleans County CCE at 585-798-4265 ext. 125 or klo54@cornell.edu.

Gypsy Moth caterpillars are damaging trees, shrubs in Orleans

Photo by Sarah Bacon – A European Gypsy Moth caterpillar is in Shelby. A distinctive feature of the GM caterpillars are the pairs of blue spots directly behind the head followed by pairs of rust-colored spots.

Posted 25 June 2020 at 9:03 pm

Press Release, Katie Oakes, horticulture educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension office is receiving high volumes of calls from homeowners concerned about the defoliation of trees and shrubs by small hairy caterpillars.

These pests are the larval stage of the Gypsy Moth Lymantria dispar, an invasive species that can cause massive defoliation in home landscapes and woodland forests.

Photo by Kathy Brooks – Gypsy Moth caterpillars congregate on an affected tree in Albion.

The Gypsy Moth was accidentally introduced to the US in the late 1800s and has become widespread across North American ever since. Gypsy Moth is one of the most destructive forest pests in the country.

The moth goes through four distinct life stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult – usually just one generation per year.  The larval stage is the only one that causes damage.  The adult moth doesn’t feed at all, its only purpose is to reproduce and lay eggs. But the larvae can cause significant damage while it is active.

Caterpillars of the Gypsy Moth are hairy and can be identified by the pairs of blue and rust colored spots running the length of their bodies.  The caterpillars go through 5 or 6 molts (or instars), during which they feed voraciously on shade trees and some shrubs.

The majority of the feeding happens in the last two instars, which usually occurs in late June to early July.  The caterpillars prefer tree species such as oak, birch, apple, willow and linden, However they are not host-specific and will feed on a variety of other species of trees and shrubs.

After the caterpillars complete their development, they drop to the ground and seek a place to pupate. After about 10-14 days in the resting pupal stage, the adult moths emerge.  Adult moths only have about two weeks to reproduce and lay eggs before dying.

Deciduous trees that suffer a small amount of defoliation will usually not suffer long-term. Trees that suffer complete or near complete defoliation will be stressed, which can lead to secondary problems, but they should be able to send out a second flush of leaves and recuperate a bit before the growing season is over.

Keep defoliated/refoliated trees evenly watered throughout the rest of the growing season and avoid fertilizer until next spring.  Evergreen trees such as pine and spruce can die from one single season of defoliation, so if you’re noticing heavy feeding on these trees and they are valuable to you in your landscape, you should consider treating for the caterpillars.

Many homeowners wonder what they can do to manage exploding populations of hungry caterpillars. If the caterpillars are under 1-inch long, the recommended pesticide to use is one that contains a naturally occurring bacteria: Bacillus thuringensis var.kurstaki (Btk).

Once the caterpillars enter later life stages, Btk is less effective. There are other insecticides labelled for use against Gypsy Moth caterpillars as well. However, when the caterpillars are longer than 1 inch and they are found feeding high in the canopy of shade trees, treatment can be difficult and a call to a tree service is often recommended. When using any pesticides, the label is the law and must be followed exactly.

Homeowners can also try banding methods of management – tying a piece of folded burlap around the affected tree trunks. In later life stages, the caterpillars typically move down the trees during the day then climb back up at night to feed. The folded burlap will trap caterpillars between the layers and homeowners can then destroy them.

After the caterpillars finish feeding, the best option for control is destroying egg masses to reduce populations the following year.  Look for the tan colored, fuzzy splotches on tree trunks, buildings, fences or other objects anytime from fall until April.   Remove the egg masses by scraping them off into a bucket of soapy water and leaving for a few days.

For more information check out the Cornell Insect Diagnostic Lab factsheet or contact Orleans County CCE Horticulture educator Katie Oakes by calling 585-798-4265 ext 125 or emailing klo54@cornell.edu.

Sources: Cornell Insect Diagnostic Lab

UConn Ladybug Blog “Gypsy Moth”

University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Factsheet on Gypsy Moth

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Master gardener urges ‘Leave the Leaves!’ to benefit soil health, nature

Photo by Katie Oakes: These Honey Locust leaves at the fairgrounds will compost in place and add nutrients and organic matter to the soil below. 

Posted 6 October 2023 at 1:00 pm

Contributed by Master Gardener Deb Roberts

The trees are turning beautiful colors…and the leaves are falling onto everything!  Before you just blow or rake those leaves into bags or to the street, STOP! There is an alternative that will improve the environment, save you money, beautify your yard, and save pollinators & other important creatures – LEAVE THE LEAVES!

According to US EPA reports we have 40 million acres of lawn in the United States making it the number one crop! The US EPA estimates that leaves and other yard debris make up 13% of our solid waste that goes to landfills. By keeping our leaves, we are reducing the solid waste in landfills and the methane they create.  Think of it as recycling in place.

Now, leaving the leaves doesn’t mean you have to just leave them where they lay, though you could, but they may not be in the best location to provide all these benefits. The optimal action you can take is to rake your leaves into garden beds or other plantings as mulch up to about 6 inches deep.

Over time the leaf mulch breaks down into the perfect fertilizer.  Also you can rake them into deeper circle-piles around established trees as mulch.  The mulch helps to retain moisture and to reduce run-off from sudden rains.

If you have extra leaves from sidewalks or driveways, leaves can be composted in a bin or pile in a corner of your yard.  A light layer of leaves can be left on grass where it will break down into fertilizer as well. All of which saves you money next year on buying mulch and fertilizers, plus it beautifies your yard – two for one!

There are exceptions, however. Black Walnut leaves and Pine Needles can inhibit desired plant growth and alter soil chemistry, so those are best kept out of your garden beds.

You may have mowed the leaves laying on the lawn in the past, which is another alternative, however leaves are a vital wildlife habitat providing food, shelter and nests for many species.  Toads, turtles, birds, butterflies in their various stages, fireflies, and bumblebees are among them. Most butterflies and moths do not migrate like the Monarch, most of them live their entire life cycle in a yard!

By leaving a layer of leaves around trees, it creates a “soft landing” for insects that drop from the tree to the ground  where they overwinter. Swallowtail butterflies and Luna moths use leaves to attach their cocoons.

Wooly bear caterpillars, which will become Isabella Tiger Moths next spring, overwinter best underneath a pile of leaves. Firefly larvae and Bumblebee queens overwinter a couple of inches under the surface of the soil and need the leaves as insulation to survive.

The larvae and insects that overwinter may even become food for baby birds next spring! If you have the space, a brush shelter with some fallen branches and a pile of leaves is a great space for insect eating animals like salamanders, toads, box turtles, and chipmunks to overwinter.

So when it’s time to rake your lawn, be a hero to wildlife and the environment by keeping leaves away from curbside pickup – Leave the Leaves!

For more information about Leaving the Leaves, check out National Wildlife Foundation, Xerces.org, and Cooperative Extension.

Not too late for fall garden work to benefit spring bloom

Posted 13 November 2020 at 10:35 am

Garlic is planted in a raised bed.

Photo and articles courtesy of Katie Oakes, Horticulture Educator for the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – As winter looms nearer, now is a great time to accomplish some tasks outside that will benefit next year’s growing season in various ways.

Fall is the best time to plant spring flowering bulbs for a colorful reward early next year. Those first blooms of spring are a welcome sight after the snow and gray of a long winter. There are many different kinds of flowering spring bulbs – from more common ones like daffodils and tulips to lesser known varieties like Scillas and aconites.

A just planted garlic clove should make an appearance in the spring.

Their specific care and site needs can vary, but most varieties require mostly sunny sites with light, well-drained soil. Spring-blooming bulbs come back year after year, so be sure to select a site with long-term potential. Most bulbs should be planted at a depth of about two to three times the length of the bulb.

Orientation of the bulbs while planting is important, usually the narrower, pointy end of the bulb goes up while the broader base goes down. Often there will be remnants of roots on the base of the bulb to give a good indicator of which direction to plant.

Bulbs are most aesthetically pleasing when planted in groups rather than singly. Cover with soil, water to settle the bulbs in, and wait for spring! Often, the tips of the bulb foliage can be seen poking through the soil even as early as January and February. Don’t worry, though – in almost all cases, they will not be harmed by subsequent freezing temperatures.

Garlic is also typically planted in the fall and is one of the easiest vegetable crops you can grow! Purchase heads from a local grower, through your farmers market, or from a roadside stand.  Heads purchased from a commercial grocery store are usually not recommended for planting –they could be harboring viral, fungal or bacterial diseases, or they may have been treated to discourage sprouting.

Separate each clove from the head, leave the papery husk, and plant 4-6” apart in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Garlic can benefit from a fertilizer application, but if your soil is fertile and high in organic matter, it may not be necessary.

Garlic comes in both soft-neck and hard-neck varieties (“Elephant Garlic” is actually a type of leek, not a true garlic). The soft-neck and hard-neck varieties have some differences in the final crop (soft-neck varieties have stronger flavors and store better, but are less cold-hardy), but planting recommendations are the same.

These grape hyacinth bulbs are ready to go in the ground.

The garlic cloves will send out roots over the late fall and winter, then shoot and bulb development begins in the spring. Harvest is usually done in July or August. Aside from weeding to keep the planting clear, there’s not a lot of maintenance required to grow great garlic!

Leaves are in abundant supply this time of the year. They can provide beneficial cover for insects during the winter.

Gardeners often want to do one final clean-up in their growing beds before winter sets in. This is an excellent idea for any diseased plant material that may have been present during the growing season.

The best course of action to prevent overwintering and reinfection of diseases is to remove and destroy diseased plant material as soon as possible. Certain diseases can remain even after a cold winter, so it’s important not to leave the affected leaves/fruit in the garden or even in the compost.

Research shows, however, that it is more beneficial to the ecosystem as a whole to leave behind many of the spent flower stalks and fallen leaves that gardeners usually want to clear out and clean up.

Those spent flower seed heads can provide forage and food for winter birds, and the hollow stems of native plants can offer shelter and nesting sites for overwintering native bees. Nesting bumblebees burrow underground, so leaving some ground exposed and un-mulched can provide a welcome refuge for them.

Many butterfly species rely on fallen leaves for hibernating or for their caterpillars to use during chrysalis formation. Leaves can also be a great addition of brown material for compost piles and can serve as excellent (free!) mulch for garden beds.

So instead of putting bagged leaves at the curb, consider leaving a leaf pile in a corner of your yard. Your garden will be a haven for beneficial insects and animals!

For more timely gardening tips or to ask specific insect or plant disease questions, feel free to reach out to Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners or Horticulture Educator Katie Oakes at 585-798-4265 ext. 125 or klo54@cornell.edu.

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Sunday Morning Positive Perks from your Sassy Small Town Missus

Posted 28 June 2020 at 8:00 am

The Power of Embracing Change

I caught this little beauty at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. It is a Monarch Butterfly.

I am not a scientist but here is my dumbed down version of a butterfly’s transformation. The female lays eggs on the underside of milkweed which takes 3-8 days to become caterpillars, which then mature in 15-25 days. The caterpillar spins a silk pad to transform in for 8-15 days, then a majestic butterfly emerges.

It’s bright colors warn predators they taste bad and may be poisonous. So what they lack in palatability they more than make up for with visual impact. These creatures have the most spectacular orange wings with black veins and white speckled edges. Spiritually the color orange is a symbol of strength and endurance. A Monarch needs strength because each year It embarks on a difficult journey migrating from north to south in the fall.

Some say that “Life” is being represented in the caterpillar stage while the animal creeps along to survive. As the animal matures in the silk pad it is said to represent “Death”, followed by “Rebirth” when the Monarch Butterfly emerges!

Maybe this is why Christians view the Monarch as a symbol of resurrection. Many feel Monarchs are signs from angels. Perhaps a sign from someone you love who has passed, letting you know it is OK to embrace the changes that will come with their passing. Or maybe a sign from a past angel sending a message that happiness and good luck are on your horizon.

Monarchs are a symbol for change and luck. It is said if you see a Monarch flying around you, it is important to take a look inside yourself to see what trait could be enhanced by embracing change.

For example, perhaps you are a person who hears words, but does not really listen. If that is your weakness, then this could be a sign to really listen to what others are trying to convey. It could truly change the world.

Try not to fall into the trap of being closed minded, but be like a Monarch and be willing to transform. Use your survival skills and desire for evolution to enrich qualities that promote happiness and get rid of those that promote angst.

This particular Monarch flew around me for a while and then landed on the finger of an employee, which I appreciated because it was a perfect photo opportunity with my old smartphone.

Thinking back on this time I was on the cusp of some changes in my life. I just turned 50 and an injury left me realizing I needed to get healthy. It was important to keep My “Wings” agile and build upon positive energy.

If you are a bundle of energy and crave the freedom to evolve and change, the Monarch could be your spirit animal! If that is the case you are quite lucky because the human race is always evolving and changing. Use that energy to allow the gentle breezes of summertime to take you on a journey of a fresh start and perspective.

How do you feel about Monarchs? Visit My Blog live online at https://www.positiveperksposts.com and catch up on weekly photo perks and past posts. Like and share your comments.

Deborah London

Brushstrokes praised for providing family-friendly entertainment

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2016 at 9:16 am

Tim and Crystal Elliott receive award for ‘New Business of the Year’

Photos by Tom Rivers Tim and Crystal Elliott, owners of Brushstrokes Studios, opened the business on Nov. 28 during Medina’s Old Tyme Christmas festival. Brushstrokes has been busy with customers creating more than 5,000 ceramics or glass fused art. “It’s entertainment whether you are 2 years old or 100,” Mr. Elliott said. “You can create a memory.”

Photos by Tom Rivers Tim and Crystal Elliott, owners of Brushstrokes Studios, opened the business on Nov. 28 during Medina’s Old Tyme Christmas festival.

MEDINA – The Chamber of Commerce’s “New Business of the Year” allows people of all ages to tap into their creative side.

Brushstrokes Studio opened last Nov. 28. Since then, customers have created more than 5,000 ceramics or glass fused art. Many of the pieces resembles sharks, caterpillars and other creatures feature din children’s books.

Brushstrokes hosts many story hours, and children can paint ceramics that look like the main star in the books, such as “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.

Brushstrokes is popular for birthday parties, bridal showers and for outings among friends, looking to create a nice memory in a family friendly environment.

Mrs. Elliott, a special education teacher for the Holley school district, said the ceramics and glass fused art are durable with a personal touch.

“This are all unique and they last,” she said. “And they’re useful.”

A ceramic spoon rest is the most popular mold picked by customers.

“We’ve also done lots and lots of coffee mugs,” Mrs. Elliott said.

Many of the creations include hand prints or foot prints from small children. Those plates, mugs and other ceramics are then popular for Father’s Day and Mother’s Day gifts, and for presents for grandparents.

These ceramic creations were decorated using either bubble painting or color blocking techniques. Brushstrokes has classes to help people improve their skills.

These ceramic creations were decorated using either bubble painting or color blocking techniques. Brushstrokes has classes to help people improve their skills.

“There’s a lot of memories with these,” said Mr. Elliott, a village trustee who also owns and manages properties in Medina. He also is co-owner of a new escape room that opened on Main Street, where people need to solve puzzles to get out.

Elliott said he is interested in bringing more people to Medina to help strengthen the local businesses. Brushstrokes draws many customers from outside the county, who then visit other local businesses. Brushstrokes has partnered with some of the businesses in promotions.

The Elliotts have a bright-colored space at Brushstrokes. They have enjoyed seeing people make so many different ceramics and fused glass, showing an artistic side many didn’t realize they had.

Madelyn Elliott, 7, works on a ceramic at her parents' business on Saturday.

Madelyn Elliott, 7, works on a ceramic at her parents’ business on Saturday.

Although you don’t need to be artistic to paint and create at Brushstrokes, the Elliotts have classes teaching some basics in bubble painting and color blocking. They are planning more classes this upcoming year.

They have also expanded their inventory and color options from 30 to 70. After the ceramics are painted, they are glazed, dried and put in a kiln, bringing out vibrant colors.

Brushstrokes also has a glass kiln for artwork and pieces made with glass fusing. The Elliotts say they already have many dedicated customers, and people interested in classes to learn techniques and hone their skills or just have fun.

“People want something new to do,” Mr. Elliott said. “You get a tangible item to take home.”

The Chamber of Commerce on Friday presented the ‘New Business of the Year’ to Brushstrokes. They were among the award winners recognized during the Chamber’s annual awards banquet at Tillman’s Village Inn.

The Elliotts were praised for offering a family-friendly activity in downtown Medina, and a for starting a business that draws many out-of-towers to the community.

“It’s entertainment whether you are 2 years old or 100,” Mr. Elliott said. “You can create a memory.”

Crystal Elliott holds one of the glass fused pieces at Brushstrokes. With glass fusing, glass plates and strings of glass are melted in a design and then can be bent with curves. Before the business opened, Mrs. Elliott worked on Brushstrokes for about 2 1/2 years, wanting to give families an activity they can do together. She completed a small business class through the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

Crystal Elliott holds one of the glass fused pieces at Brushstrokes. With glass fusing, glass plates and strings of glass are melted in a design and then can be bent with curves. Before the business opened, Mrs. Elliott worked on Brushstrokes for about 2 1/2 years, wanting to give families an activity they can do together. She completed a small business class through the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

091916_brushstrokesanimals

Brushstrokes has many ceramic animal molds. After they are painted, they are glazed, dried and put in a kiln, bringing out vibrant colors.

091916_brushstrokes4

Mitchell Farley of Medina paints a ceramic Christmas tree on Saturday with his family, including wife Jessica and their children, Jacob, left, and Madison, right.

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Hoag Library releases butterflies

Contributed Story Posted 8 August 2014 at 12:00 am

Provided photos
ALBION – Michelle Watt, the children’s librarian, lets out butterflies that emerged from caterpillars over about a month at the Hoag Library.

Charlie Warren lets a butterfly rest on his finger on Thursday at the Hoag Library when butterflies were released after spending a month inside the library. They arrived as caterpillars in mid-July and hatched on Aug. 2.

Gianna Hyde has a butterfly on her head.