Case Bearing Moth Larvae: A Threat to Your Trees and Shrubs?

Case bearing moth larvae are the larvae of moths that build protective cases around themselves. These cases are made of silk and other materials, and they help to protect the larvae from predators and the elements. Case bearing moth larvae can be a problem for trees and shrubs, as they can eat the leaves and damage the plants.

Stories

Story 1

In 2018, an outbreak of case bearing moth larvae caused extensive damage to trees and shrubs in the eastern United States. The larvae ate the leaves of trees and shrubs, causing them to lose their leaves and become weak. In some cases, the larvae even killed the trees and shrubs.

Benefit: Early detection using pheromone traps, visual inspection and monitoring can help with controlling the population before it grows and causes extensive damage.

How to do: Proper watering, fertilization and mulching help maintain healthy plants that are more resistant to pest infestation.

Story 2

In 2019, an outbreak of case bearing moth larvae caused damage to trees and shrubs in the western United States. The larvae ate the leaves of trees and shrubs, causing them to lose their leaves and become weak. In some cases, the larvae even killed the trees and shrubs.

Benefit: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an approved spray for shrubs, trees and ornamentals.

How to do: Bt is most effective when applied to young larvae and before they enter their case.

Sections

6-8 Effective Strategies, Tips and Tricks

• Inspect trees and shrubs regularly for signs of case bearing moth larvae.
• Remove any larvae or cases that you find.
• Apply an insecticide to the trees and shrubs.
• Use pheromone traps to monitor the population of case bearing moth larvae.
• Keep trees and shrubs healthy by watering, fertilizing, and mulching them.
• Avoid planting trees and shrubs that are known to be susceptible to case bearing moth larvae.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not wait until the larvae have caused significant damage to the trees and shrubs before taking action.
• Do not use an insecticide that is not specifically labeled for use on case bearing moth larvae.
• Do not apply an insecticide to the trees and shrubs when they are wet.
• Do not apply an insecticide to the trees and shrubs when the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

6-8 FAQs About Case Bearing Moth Larvae

• What are case bearing moth larvae?
• Case bearing moth larvae are the larvae of moths that build protective cases around themselves. These cases are made of silk and other materials, and they help to protect the larvae from predators and the elements.
• What are the signs and symptoms of an infestation of case bearing moth larvae?
• The signs and symptoms of an infestation of case bearing moth larvae include:
  • The presence of cases on the leaves and stems of trees and shrubs.
  • The leaves of trees and shrubs being eaten.
  • The trees and shrubs losing their leaves.
  • The trees and shrubs becoming weak.
  • The trees and shrubs dying.
• How can I control an infestation of case bearing moth larvae?
• There are a number of things that you can do to control an infestation of case bearing moth larvae, including:
  • Inspecting trees and shrubs regularly for signs of larvae.
  • Removing any larvae or cases that you find.
  • Applying an insecticide to the trees and shrubs.
  • Using pheromone traps to monitor the population of larvae.
  • Keeping trees and shrubs healthy by watering, fertilizing, and mulching them.
  • Avoiding planting trees and shrubs that are known to be susceptible to larvae.
• What are the dangers of an infestation of case bearing moth larvae?
• An infestation of case bearing moth larvae can cause a number of problems, including:
  • Defoliation of trees and shrubs.
  • Weakening of trees and shrubs.
  • Death of trees and shrubs.
• How can I prevent an infestation of case bearing moth larvae?
• There are a number of things that you can do to prevent an infestation of case bearing moth larvae, including:
  • Inspecting trees and shrubs regularly for signs of larvae.
  • Removing any larvae or cases that you find.
  • Applying an insecticide to the trees and shrubs.
  • Using pheromone traps to monitor the population of larvae.
  • Keeping trees and shrubs healthy by watering, fertilizing, and mulching them.
  • Avoiding planting trees and shrubs that are known to be susceptible to larvae.

Call to Action

If you are concerned about an infestation of case bearing moth larvae, please contact a qualified arborist or pest control company. They can help you to identify the problem and develop a plan to control the infestation.

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