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Web moth threatens trees in Wolfenbüttel – what to do about the pest?
In Wolfenbüttel, web moths are currently causing damage to trees. Their caterpillars eat leaves, but the damage is temporary.
Web moth threatens trees in Wolfenbüttel – what to do about the pest?
A picture-perfect scenario can currently be seen in many gardens and parks: white webs that come from the web moth stretch across numerous trees and bushes. This species of butterfly has increased significantly in the region, especially in early summer. Plants such as Pfaffenhütchen, apples, pears and willows are particularly affected. A look into the trees not only reveals the delicate webs, but also the hungry caterpillars that gather in large groups and eat the leaves of their host plants. This makes the vegetation look bare and may worry some gardeners, but don't worry - the damage is usually temporary and the plants recover quickly. As regionalheute.de reports, the plants sprout again quickly in summer.
The web moth is an example of a species of butterfly whose caterpillars pupate in fine webs. In total, there are over 70 species of web moths in Central Europe, each of which specializes in specific food plants. The apple web moth, which feasts on apple trees, or the plum web moth, which strikes on plum and cherry trees, are particularly common. This diversity testifies to the ability of web moths to adapt to different plants, which are difficult to control because they usually find their food source unerringly. MDR.de emphasizes that the eggs are laid in the trees in autumn. The larvae develop over the winter and are transformed into caterpillars in the spring and then form the webs.
Health risks and control
Positive news for all garden owners: In contrast to the dreaded oak processionary moth, the caterpillars of the web moth are completely harmless to humans. While the caterpillars of the oak processionary moth can trigger allergic reactions with their poisonous stinging hairs, the web moth caterpillars do not have these unpleasant properties. This has great advantages, especially in areas where there are a lot of people and want to walk without fear. This information can provide a little relief, as mein-schoener-garten.de describes.
The current warm and dry weather conditions, which are partly influenced by climate change, are promoting the mass appearance of web moths. During these times they are particularly active and appear more frequently in gardens, along paths or in parks. However, a cooler summer could cause their population to regulate itself again. If you still want to prevent an infestation, you should regularly check the plants for their health and, if necessary, collect the caterpillars or take appropriate measures to protect the trees.