Brown Tail Moth Pest Control

As an occasional and exterior pest of ornamental trees, E. chrysorrhoea occurs throughout Europe, although in greater numbers in the warmer areas. Trees attacked include Blackthorn, Hawthorne, Sea Buckthorne oak and fruit trees.

Complete metamorphosis life cycle. This moth is of relatively large body size (Macro Lepidoptera). Adults are usually on the wing in high summer. Eggs are laid in batches, usually at the stem of the host plant, and covered with (allergenic) hairs.

Larvae spin silken tents from which they forage. Cutting and burning of winter tents between November and March is recommended. If the use of insecticides is deemed necessary, application in mid May or mid September is most effective. Consult applicable regional law for approved pesticides.

Damage to trees is relatively low except in extreme cases, however the irritating nature of larval hairs may cause problems to the public. Hairs may become detached from the larvae and be translocated by wind. Skin reactions due to allergic sensitivity are not uncommon.