How to get rid of gypsy moths in the lawn?
The gypsy moth is a small beige-brown butterfly. In its adult stage, it does not damage the lawn, but in its larval stage it can do a lot of damage to your lawn. The larvae feed on the base of the stems and leaves of the lawn, causing yellow patches to appear. They are nocturnal and feed at night. They are difficult to spot during the day since they hide in the tunnels they dig at night.
How do I know if I have a gypsy moth infestation?
If you notice the appearance of bare spots on your lawn and if in some places the grass has a yellowish color, the gypsy moth might be visiting you. This insect feeds on the base of the grass, so you will notice that you can easily tear off the grass in the affected areas.
How do you treat a gypsy moth infestation?
Fortunately, even though gypsy moths can affect your lawn, the damage caused by an infestation is generally reversible (unlike an infestation of white grubs). Indeed, since they feed on the base of the stems and leaves of the lawn, the root of the lawn remains intact, which facilitates treatment.
If you detect the presence of gypsy moths, you must act quickly to reduce the potential damage. If you don’t act quickly enough, your lawn may be strewn with yellowish patches and it will be much more difficult to restore it back to its healthy state. It is always recommended that you contact a lawn care expert to determine the most effective and safe treatment to use to eliminate these insects.
Here's how our certified technicians get rid of your gypsy moth infestation:
1. Use of the appropriate pesticide
Vertdure develops and uses pesticide products that comply with rigorous environmental standards in Quebec. Insecticides must be applied at the right time and in the right dose. Our team is trained to apply the treatment to ensure the safety of your family and animals. The treatment is done in the fall and then the lawn must be fertilized.
2. Lawn care
Once winter is over and spring has arrived, the damage must now be repaired. It is therefore necessary to aerate the soil, sow and fertilize the lawn. Adequate and regular watering is also recommended. When summer arrives, your lawn should be green and dense again for you to enjoy.
3. Application of a preventive treatment
In order to avoid the return of the gypsy moth, it is best to apply a preventive treatment in spring.
When is the best time to treat the lawn?
We recommend the application of a preventive treatment in the spring since the gypsy moth makes its appearance in September. The treatment can also be applied as soon as you start noticing damage to your lawn.
Need help maintaining your lawn?
Do not hesitate to contact Vertdure for all your lawn maintenance needs. We will be happy to guide you and give you advice!