UMass Extension Landscape Message June 15, 2012

"Winter Moth caterpillars have pupated and the feeding damage for this year is over. Massachusetts DCR flew over the state on Monday (6/11/12) to delineate, photograph and map defoliated areas. All affected areas are now in the process of being ground-checked to determine the exact cause of damage and to record levels of defoliation. Winter moth is now in the soil as a pupa and will remain there until late November into December when they'll emerge as adults, mate and lay eggs. Be extremely thoughtful when digging and moving plants from areas of infestation and moving them to new locals, especially those area that does not yet have winter moth populations in order to prevent accidentally introducing this scourge into new areas."

I added the red color for emphasis.

Claire