Homemade gypsy moth spray — guide
The spongy moth, commonly referred to as the gypsy moth, contains caterpillars that can kill trees and plants. Similarly, numerous plants and shrubs might lose their leaves due to the brownish-yellow and hairy caterpillars of this insect. Many people have encountered this issue, and when it occurs to them, they are unable to determine why. This can be a really stressful circumstance for a plant lover. However, don’t worry — we’ve got you. We are going to guide you on how you can get rid of the problem. A possible solution to this problem will be a homemade gypsy moth spray.
How you can save your plants
The most effective way to protect plants and trees is by using a DIY homemade gypsy moth spray rather than a poisonous, chemical spray which is convenient too. In early April, it should be used in the leaves and branches of the trees when the caterpillars are very small, and less than an inch long.
How to make a moth killer spray at home
Here are a few procedures to follow. You can choose any one of the following according to your choice or the availability of ingredients at home.
1. With a gallon of water, mix ten (10) tablespoons of dish soap.
Or
2. Adding a few drops of dish soap with 1 part of vinegar and 3 parts of water can make another killer spray.
Or
3. Mixing boric acid with water can be the third choice.
Or
4. Fill the sprayer with a mixture of water and vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio. Add a tablespoon of dish soap or melted wax, along with two or three drops of food coloring, to the mixture after that.
Or
5. Combine one cup of cottonseed oil and one spoonful of liquid soap. As an alternative to cottonseed oil, you can also use safflower oil or soybean oil. Use neither mineral oils nor motor oil. For every cup of water, combine 11/2 teaspoons of your oil mixture.
How to use
Before applying the spray, you should ensure on which plant, tree, or leaves the moths are living or huge masses of eggs. Mostly gypsy moth affects outdoor plants, yard plants, or vegetation. On your property, though, Gypsy Moths may occasionally be found crawling about on your driveway, a car, or another location that you wouldn’t anticipate them to be.
First, for beautiful, consistent coverage, mix the product in a sprayer and if possible, use a fan spray to apply the entire yard and garden. Secondly, from the back to the front, evenly spray your entire lawn, infected leaves, trees, or places to see the magic. Spray landscaping and ornamentals as well, being careful to exclusively target non-edible species. Flowerbeds and trees that bear fruit shouldn’t be sprayed.
After applying, the gypsy moth and their egg masses will be destroyed. The eggs can be thrown away for 48 hours after draining them.
During the active season (April-September), it is advised to spray for gypsy moths every two weeks to control the outbreak.
Precautions
Though homemade gypsy moth spray does not contain any harmful components yet safety measures should be maintained for health issues.
One should wear safety hand gloves, safety glasses, and a long dress at the time of application. Eyes, nose, or mouth should be protected otherwise the spray might affect them. Children must be not in that area of your gypsy moth-killing mission.
So do not be late. If you can recognize the gypsy moth affects your lovely plants or trees, make easily a homemade moth destroyer diffuser to save your greenery. Hazardous chemicals should not be used since they cause more harm than good. Try those environmentally friendly remedies instead, and take preventative measures to keep gypsy moths away.
