Red alarm level: Spin moths cover NRW with dangerous networks!

Red alarm level: Spin moths cover NRW with dangerous networks!

In North Rhine-Westphalia, many gardens and parks are currently facing a major challenge: the spinning moths. These uninvited guests affect trees and shrubs, which are increasingly covered with a striking white, gray network. In the cities of Münster and Schwerte in particular, the dimensions of the infestation are alarming, report the Ruhr24 . Here there is a lack of fresh leaves, since the caterpillars at impetuously eat the vegetation.

The spinning moth cunning are less harmful than the dreaded oak processionary moth, which particularly affect oaks. Affected plants are often grape cherries, hawthorn, pfaffenhütchen, poplars and pastures; Occasionally it also affects fruit trees. By forming spider networks, the caterpillars try to protect themselves from predators and adverse weather conditions.

life cycle of the spins moths

The caterpillars eat the affected plants until mid -June before pupating at the foot of the plant. At the beginning of July, the moths of the grape cherry gods hatch, which then put eggs on the buds. The eggs are covered with a protective layer that helps them survive the winter months. This usually happens near the host plants, as it biogarten explained.

The mass development of the spinning moths can be favored by climatic changes such as climate change. The populations can differ greatly every year. It is not uncommon for mass developments to occur over several years, even a long, cold winter has little influence on moth development.

recommended control methods

experts, including the NABU expert Karl-Heinz Jelinek, advise against the chemical use against the caterpillars, as this can also damage useful natural enemies, such as slippers and predatory bugs. Instead, it is recommended to remove the caterpillars from the trees early to prevent massive infestation. In the case of infected fruit trees, they should be collected early before the caterpillars proliferate.

gardeners can also hope for the St. June 24th June, which often results in a renewed shoot of the plants. Infested trees and shrubs usually run out again in the middle of the year, so that long -term damage often remains low. Special products such as dolphin can also be used for gentle control, since they are gentle on beneficiaries and act specifically against the squadheads.

Overall, it turns out that the infestation by clutch moths is urgent, but not irreversible. It is important to act quickly and to check the plants regularly in order not to unnecessarily disturb the natural cycle of nature. If you follow these tips, you can effectively protect your garden plants and at the same time maintain the external beauty of its green oases.