Tussock Moth Control: How To Get Rid of Tussock Moth Caterpillars

This page is a general tussock moth caterpillar control guide. Using the products and methods suggested, you will get control of tussock moths. Follow this guide and use the recommended products, and we guarantee 100% control over tussock moth caterpillars.

A damaging species of moth that is usually known for being a forest problem, the tussock moth is increasing its profile on residential landscapes and gardens. The moth is dull-colored as an adult, but its hairy caterpillar development phase is known for defoliating small trees and shrubs if left unchecked.

Tussock moths appear in large numbers in the spring and summer months and can grow up to an inch and a half long. They are also known to build cocoons on homes, boats, picnic tables, and other outdoor items that can be tough to remove.

If you are seeing tussock moths in your home, the following DIY guide will show you how to get rid of the pest with our expert advice and professional product recommendations.

Identification

Before continuing a treatment program, you must be certain you are dealing with tussock moths. Tussock moths are most recognizable when they are caterpillars, of which there are many different kinds.

• Among prominent tussock moth species in the US, most feature two clumps of hair from the head end, looking like antennae; one clump of hair jutting from the rear, looking like a tail; and four dense tufts or tussocks of fur along the caterpillar's back.
• Tussock moth caterpillars hatch as tiny worms, which grow to be 1.5 inches long once fully mature.
• They come in various brilliant colors like yellow, orange, and black.
• When crawling, the tussock moth caterpillar can stand vertically, which helps it to move from leaf to leaf to feed.
• Once fully grown, they will look like many other moth species, with brown markings and patterns. Male moths have long wings capable of flight, whereas the females have shorter, stumpier wings, rendering them unable to fly. 

Use the description and image above to help you identify tussock moths on your property. If unsure, bring us a photo or sample of the pest in a sealable plastic container to one of our store locations. We can properly identify the pest and suggest the appropriate products and control plan. For further assistance, you may call or email us.

Inspection

After you confirm the presence of tussock moths, you need to inspect the area to see where they are most active. The size and severity of the infestation will help you determine your treatment approach. 

Where To Inspect

Tussock moths can be found in garden areas, shrubs, and trees. They are usually found in forest areas, but they have migrated to residential areas due to the attraction of plants growing on a landscape.

What To Look For

You're looking for adult tussock moths, the tussock moth caterpillars, and any signs of their presence, such as leaf and plant damage. If you can locate them, be careful and don't touch them. Their bright, vibrant colors are usually a signal that they are dangerous and shouldn't be handled. Tussock moth caterpillars go into pupation in cocoons attached to tree branches, trunks, and the sides of homes, so watch out for those as well.

Treatment

After inspecting the areas where you discovered the tussock moth, you can proceed with treatment. Remember to read all product labels, follow the application instructions on these labels, and stay safe by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

The best method for controlling tussock moths is chemical control. Supreme IT Insecticide is our top recommendation for stopping their destruction and your plants' destruction. It is safe, easy to use, labeled for various leaf-feeding caterpillars, and affordable.

Step 1: Apply Supreme IT Insecticide To Yard and Ornamentals

Supreme IT is a broad-spectrum insecticide labeled for treating over 70 pests, including leaf-feeding caterpillars like that of the tussock moth. It also has a long residual effect that can continue to control pests for up to 90 days after application.

Calculate your lawn's square footage of the treatment area to determine how much Supreme IT you need. To find the square footage, measure the treatment areas' length and width in feet, then multiply them together (length X width = square footage).

Apply 0.125 to .25 oz. of Supreme IT with a gallon of water to treat 1,000 square feet.

Mix the product in a hand-pump sprayer and spray Supreme IT over your yard and garden with fan spray to get uniform coverage. If you have a large yard, it may be better to use a hose-end sprayer. You will want to use enough water to treat the area evenly —up to 10 gallons.

Spray your whole lawn, starting from the back to the front. Also, spray ornamentals and landscaping, focusing only on non-edible vegetation areas. Do not forget to spray the underside of leaves, as these can be where tussock moth caterpillars hide out of view.

Prevention

Once you have successfully eliminated the infestation of tussock moth caterpillars, you need to take measures to ensure they don't infest again.

• Monitor your lawn closely during the spring and summer to check if they have re-emerged. If you spot any pupation cocoons, remove them with tweezers.
• Finally, Supreme IT Insecticide should be applied quarterly to prevent potential reinvasion. Supreme IT has a residual effect lasting up to 90 days, so it can help fend off caterpillars during their active seasons. 

Key Takeaways

What Are Tussock Moths?

• Tussock moths are a pest species known for their destructive caterpillar phase. The caterpillar is notorious for defoliating entire small trees and shrubs without intervention.

How to Get Rid of Tussock Moths

• To get rid of Tussock Moth Caterpillars, we recommend applying Supreme IT Insecticide to your yard and ornamentals.

Prevent Tussock Moth Reinfestations

• Prevent potential future tussock moth infestations by monitoring your yard, removing cocoons, and re-applying Supreme IT on a quarterly basis.