Pictures of winter moth caterpillars
At URI’s East Farm we sprayed March 30 for winter moth. We did not get very good control – though we don’t know how many caterpillars would be there if we didn’t spray. I think our poor control is due to winter moths hatching over a long period due to cool weather once eggs started hatching around March 27. Rain and snow washed off insecticide and the insecticide didn’t last through the entire time eggs were hatching.
We intend to spray apple trees and blueberries this coming week once fruit buds are at the tight cluster bud stage. Attached are pictures of apple and blueberry tight cluster.
Winter moth caterpillar and frass
Apple bud at half inch green.
Peeled apple bud with caterpillar and frass inside.
Apple tight cluster bud stage.