How to Get Rid of Tussock Moth Caterpillars (4 Easy Steps!)

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Introduction: 0:00
How to Identify Tussock Moths: 0:40
How to Inspect for Tussock Moths: 1:51
How to Treat for Tussock Moths: 3:11
How to Prevent Tussock Moths: 4:29

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Tussock moths and their caterpillars are pests typically found in wooded areas, but they’re becoming an increasing problem in urban and suburban gardens and landscapes. The caterpillars will easily strip down and defoliate entire shrubs while the adult moths will reproduce and lay eggs in batches of over one hundred each.

Tussock moths are the easiest to identify as caterpillars. As adults, they look like many other moth species with various brown markings and patterns. As caterpillars, they have a very distinct look that distinguishes them from other caterpillars. Tussock moth caterpillars hatch as tiny worms, which then grow to be 1 and a half inches in length once they’re fully matured. Tussock moth caterpillars are covered in bristly hairs, giving them their unique look. Color patterns vary depending on the exact species of moth, but colors generally include yellow, orange, black, and red. Among prominent tussock moth species in the US, most feature two clumps of hair that jut from the head end, looking like antennae; one clump of hair jutting from the rear, looking like a tail; and four dense tufts or “tussocks” of fur along the caterpillar's back.

Tussock moths are usually found in forest areas, but due to migration, unintentional transportation, or the occasional wind-blown caterpillar, their activity is increasing in gardens, shrubs, and trees in residential and commercial areas. If you suspect tussock moth activity on your property, check your gardens and shrubbery for adults or caterpillars. Be sure to also check underneath leaves and structures for signs of activity or cocoons.

After identifying your pest and inspecting for activity on your property, it’s time to start treatment.
Before starting any treatment, be sure to wear your personal protective equipment, or PPE, and remember to keep all people and pets off the treated areas until dry.
To get rid of tussock moths and their caterpillars, you’ll need to use an insecticide with long-term residual protection, like a liquid concentrate made with the active ingredient bifenthrin. The bifenthrin will work to kill pests it comes in contact with, and will also leave a residual that will continue to control the area for labeled pests. With our concentrate made with 7.9% bifenthrin, we recommend you use 0.25 fluid ounces of product per 1 gallon of spray solution.
Apply your insecticide solution to shrubbery and ornamental plants where you’ve seen tussock moths or their caterpillars. Be sure to spray underneath the leaves as well, and the sides of tree trunks. Moths or caterpillars that come in contact with the spray or residual will become paralyzed and die within a few hours.

Once you’ve treated tussock moths for the season, you shouldn’t have many encounters with them for the remainder of the year. You will still need to keep an eye out and monitor closely for any activity later in the season and next spring when the next generation would be active. Be sure to retreat your shrubs every 90 days for year-round pest control. If you spot any cocoons with developing moths, those may not be affected by your pesticide treatments. They can be easily removed with tweezers.

Click the link to learn how to get rid of tussock moths on your property and shop the professional-grade products featured in this video!
http://bit.ly/Tussock-Moth-Control

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