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Pest Types
All information in this section of our website is taken from the Pest Fact Sheets which are published on the Harrow County Council website. We would like to thank the Harrow County Council Web Team for their kind permission allowing us to reproduce these fact sheets.
All information in this section of our website is taken from the Pest Fact Sheets which are published on the Harrow County Council website. We would like to thank the Harrow County Council Web Team for their kind permission allowing us to reproduce these fact sheets.
Brown Tail Moths
Brown tail moth eggs are laid in July/August on the underside of leaves, especially of fruit trees. The eggs hatch late August/September and the caterpillars immediately spin a silken 'tent' which is used for shelter. They feed on surrounding leaves which become incorporated into the tent. The caterpillars may grow up to 1½ inches (38mm) and after moulting, they hibernate towards the end of October. The caterpillars re-emerge in April/early May, feed and make more 'tents'. They pupate in June and emerge as moths in mid July.
Identifying Caterpillars
The caterpillars are dark brown/black with five red stripes on the back and a row of white scales on either side. There are two red spots on the back and the body is covered with long yellow/brown hairs. The Brown Tail Moth caterpillar needs to be distinguished from the Lackey moth caterpillar (blue/grey background, black, red and white stripes with brown hairs in bunches along its body) which also makes silk tents but is harmless to humans. The Brown Tail Moth can be mainly found in coastal areas of Southern England and the Thames estuary.
Identifying Caterpillars
The caterpillars are dark brown/black with five red stripes on the back and a row of white scales on either side. There are two red spots on the back and the body is covered with long yellow/brown hairs. The Brown Tail Moth caterpillar needs to be distinguished from the Lackey moth caterpillar (blue/grey background, black, red and white stripes with brown hairs in bunches along its body) which also makes silk tents but is harmless to humans. The Brown Tail Moth can be mainly found in coastal areas of Southern England and the Thames estuary.
Effects on humans
The hairs of the caterpillars are irritant to the skin, particularly of children, and in susceptible people, irritation of the eyes and throat may occur. Avoid contact or handling the caterpillars. Remember to keep windows closed close by infestations. People should seek medical advice if the eyes or throat are affected or if any skin irritation persists for more than a few hours. For minor skin irritations, antihistamine cream or calamine lotion may be applied.
Effects on trees
Large infestations can cause total defoliation of small or young trees and can severely affect mature trees. The caterpillars have a particular liking for rosaceous trees such as hawthorn, cherry and apple. They can also be found on brambles on waste land, railway embankments etc. The tree will usually recover and produce a second flush of foliage providing attacks are not sustained for more than two successive years.
Practical Control
Measures Treatment of affected trees is the householder’s responsibility.
Early summer
The caterpillars are most active during May and June. Insecticides based on permethrin or pyrethrum (available from garden centres and hardware shops) can be helpful but may not be completely successful. Using contractors to apply insecticides in early summer is expensive and is not guaranteed to be totally affective, especially in large trees. Caterpillars may also be squashed with a heavy object. Removing ‘tents’ at this time is not recommended as they will be covered in hairs.
Autumn and winter
A more effective measure, and the one recommended, is to wait until leaf fall in autumn when you will be able to see the 'tents' as the leaves fall and prune them out of the tree into a bucket and make a bonfire. Take care not to upset your neighbours by taking into account wind direction, weather and washing lines before lighting your fire. Removal of ‘tents’ at this time of year will greatly reduce the numbers of caterpillars appearing the following year. Caterpillars may be controlled by professionally applied insecticides at this time but it is an expensive option.
Safety
Whether using insecticides or pruning out, household rubber gloves, eye protection and old clothing should be worn, with everything being washed afterwards. Care should be taken in using ladders and if it is not possible to deal with them, the householder should call in a specialist contractor.
If you are unable to deal with a common pest problem satisfactorily, then contact Commercial Pest Control London. Our rates are competitive and we will get the job done fast and efficiently. For a professional service call Commercial Pest Control London today on freephone 0800 043 2056
The hairs of the caterpillars are irritant to the skin, particularly of children, and in susceptible people, irritation of the eyes and throat may occur. Avoid contact or handling the caterpillars. Remember to keep windows closed close by infestations. People should seek medical advice if the eyes or throat are affected or if any skin irritation persists for more than a few hours. For minor skin irritations, antihistamine cream or calamine lotion may be applied.
Effects on trees
Large infestations can cause total defoliation of small or young trees and can severely affect mature trees. The caterpillars have a particular liking for rosaceous trees such as hawthorn, cherry and apple. They can also be found on brambles on waste land, railway embankments etc. The tree will usually recover and produce a second flush of foliage providing attacks are not sustained for more than two successive years.
Practical Control
Measures Treatment of affected trees is the householder’s responsibility.
Early summer
The caterpillars are most active during May and June. Insecticides based on permethrin or pyrethrum (available from garden centres and hardware shops) can be helpful but may not be completely successful. Using contractors to apply insecticides in early summer is expensive and is not guaranteed to be totally affective, especially in large trees. Caterpillars may also be squashed with a heavy object. Removing ‘tents’ at this time is not recommended as they will be covered in hairs.
Autumn and winter
A more effective measure, and the one recommended, is to wait until leaf fall in autumn when you will be able to see the 'tents' as the leaves fall and prune them out of the tree into a bucket and make a bonfire. Take care not to upset your neighbours by taking into account wind direction, weather and washing lines before lighting your fire. Removal of ‘tents’ at this time of year will greatly reduce the numbers of caterpillars appearing the following year. Caterpillars may be controlled by professionally applied insecticides at this time but it is an expensive option.
Safety
Whether using insecticides or pruning out, household rubber gloves, eye protection and old clothing should be worn, with everything being washed afterwards. Care should be taken in using ladders and if it is not possible to deal with them, the householder should call in a specialist contractor.
If you are unable to deal with a common pest problem satisfactorily, then contact Commercial Pest Control London. Our rates are competitive and we will get the job done fast and efficiently. For a professional service call Commercial Pest Control London today on freephone 0800 043 2056
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