The oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a small moth that is spreading more and more as the climate becomes milder. The animals actually primarily inhabit oak trees. We'll find out here whether they also settle on the apple tree.
Are there oak processionary moths on apple trees?
Although oak processionary moths occasionally settle in other deciduous trees such as hornbeams,in apple treeshoweverhardly ever. If the fruit tree is invaded by insects, these uninvited guests are almost always the apple web moth (Yponomeuta malinellus).
What do oak processionary moths look like?
Oak processionary moths aregray-brown coloredand significantlylarger than web moths. The caterpillars, which can grow up to five centimeters long, are initially gray and later form a dark back line. From the third larval stage onwards, they have clearly visible stinging hairs that can be dangerous to humans.
Typically, the caterpillars always move in a dense group and go on a journey, as if in a procession. During the day they live in web nests up to the size of a football that are located on the trunk or the outer forks of branches.
How do I recognize apple web moths?
With theirwhite wingswith theblack dots the moths of the apple web moth would be easy to identify. Since they only fly at dusk, you can hardly ever see the animals.
The hairless, harmless caterpillars are yellowish, also have black dots and grow up to 2.5 centimeters long. They live in dense webs that look like hairnets, which are mainly located on the end and side shoots of the apple tree. The location of the web nests is also a clear distinguishing feature.
Tip
The apple tree is recovering well from the web moth infestation
Infestation with spider moths is primarily a visual problem. Although the animals eat the leaves under the web, stripped down to the ribs and you have to expect a crop loss, the apple will grow back he althy and regenerate. Simply rinse the nests with the garden hose. Glue rings (€7.00 on Amazon) help prevent the larvae from climbing up the trunk.
