UMass Extension Landscape Message May 18, 2012

"Winter Moth - this caterpillar is quickly nearing pupation in the greater Boston area, North and South Shores. Cape Cod remains a bit behind. An application of a product that contains Spinosad as the active ingredient should provide excellent results at this time and throughout the caterpillar feeding stage. Many pyrethroid insecticides are labeled for caterpillars as well. Avoid spraying apples and crabapples with Spinosad or pyrethroid products if they are in bloom. Pyrethroids can be very harsh on pollinators, such as bees. Spinosad products are toxic to bees at the time of application but this threat diminishes significantly 24 hours after application."

Claire