Rational measures to combat pine and birch moth

The moth looks like a small harmless butterfly. In fact, this fluttering creature is capable of causing considerable harm to cultivated plants. Under suitable conditions, moths multiply rapidly and cause significant damage to forests and agricultural plantings. Therefore, the fight against the pest always remains relevant.

Description, types, prevalence of the pest

Moths live mainly on trees and shrubs, but some types of flowers can also be affected. These butterflies are distinguished by a narrow body and wide wings of a nondescript color, which allows pests to merge with the environment. The moths are most active at night. The females of most species are wingless or have underdeveloped wings and are unable to fly.

Previously, butterflies had white wings, as a result of natural selection, most individuals are now significantly darker, which helps them survive through mimicry.

Moths do not have eyes; a special organ that determines sound vibrations and the direction of air currents allows them to navigate in space.

The butterfly feeds on plant nectar without causing harm.

But the voracious caterpillar of the moth is very harmful. Its distinctive features, depending on the species, are:

• slender body 5–7 cm long;
• a peculiar arrangement of the abdominal legs;
• loop-like way of movement;
• coloring the color of foliage or bark.

In moments of danger, the caterpillar can disguise itself as a dry twig.

Most species are omnivorous. Pests destroy stems, buds, leaves, buds of plants.

On the territory of Russia, there are about 2.5 thousand species of pest. The most common moths are:

• Pine. The females have rusty wings, and the males are brown with light spots. The yellow-green caterpillar grows up to 3 cm long. The pest is widespread. Caterpillars settle on the branches of coniferous trees (pine, spruce, cedar, fir) and completely destroy the crown. Dry summers contribute to active reproduction.



• Birch. The color of the butterfly's wings is gray with black dots. The caterpillar is 4–5 cm long, with a red or dark stripe on the back. Destroys the leaves of birch, poplar, ash, oak, linden and other deciduous trees, as well as some shrubs and herbs. Distributed everywhere, except for the northern regions. Dwells in forests, gardens, city parks.



• Ordinary... The female's wings are white, while the males are ocher. The body of the caterpillar grows up to 3 cm, it can be yellow, gray or brown in color. The pest destroys wormwood, sorrel, clover, heather. It is often found on forest edges.



• April moth (silkworm). Most common in the European part of Russia and the Far East. Butterflies' wings are gray in color, covered with brown "fringe". Caterpillars are variegated, 4.5–5 cm long. The pest feeds on foliage of forest and fruit trees.

In addition, on the territory of Russia and the CIS countries there are: small moth (several varieties), red-striped moth, fluffy moth, winter moth. The family of these butterflies is quite extensive.

Pest control measures

If any kind of moth was seen at the summer cottage, the fight against it should be complex. Plantings should be inspected from time to time in order to detect pests. During the growing season, the soil is regularly loosened in the near-trunk circle of trees and shrubs, plant residues are removed, and deep digging is done in spring and autumn.

In March and October, the trunks are whitewashed. If there are not very many caterpillars, they are fought with mechanically, collecting by hand or shaking off on the litter, and then destroying. You can use glue belts for catching and attract natural enemies of the pest to the site by planting sunflower, clover, ornamental onion, phacelia.

During the fruiting period, it is permissible to use only biological preparations to combat the moth.

Chemical insecticides are used on fruit trees and shrubs only before flowering, for prophylactic purposes. The following preparations are suitable for processing:

• Akarin;
• "Karbofos";
• Fitoverm;
• Kinmix;
• "Zolon";
• "Dendrobacillin";
• "Lepidocide".

The dosage and consumption rate is in the instructions for insecticides. These recommendations require strict adherence. We must not forget about personal protection during the use of chemicals.

From folk remedies, you can use herbal decoctions and infusions based on the tops of tomatoes, hot pepper, wormwood, yarrow. An average of 1 kg of raw material is consumed per 10 liters of water.

If we are talking about short shrubs, they can be dusted with tansy powder or ground red pepper.

Bearing in mind that pests often parasitize on sick and weakened plants, you need to maintain the garden in a tidy condition and observe the agricultural technology of each crop. Since the moth is widespread, control should be started at the first sign of infection. Inspection of the garden for pests should occur regularly.