Inchworm larvae or cankerworm moths can cause the affected trees to defoliate prematurely. So, if you want to protect the infested trees and do not want to apply chemicals, go for tree wrapping. But how to wrap trees to kill larvae inchworms maine?
To wrap with insulation, overlapping its two ends and applying tanglefoot on it is enough. Also, tying burlap strips with a cord is another effective way of tree banding. To help you with the store-bought and DIY wrapping, I will include some tips right here in today’s write-up.
How to Wrap Trees to Kill Larvae Inchworms Maine: Step-by-Step Guideline
Tree banding or wrapping requires a few of your cutting skills with the insulation. And following these steps will suffice. So let’s get some education:
Step 1: Place the Insulation
Get foil–faced insulation from a craft or fabric store and cut 15 centimeters wide band from it to wrap around the trunk. Keep a decent length so that both ends of the strip can join each other on the base.
Then, wear gloves, and place the band on the trunk in a way that the insulation side sticks to the bark, and the outside foil faces you.
In case you do not find the band, try wrapping a tree wrap around with glue. For better clarity, watch it now:
Step 2: Staple and Paint
Staple the band to the base, and the distance from it to the ground should be 1.5 meters. Wrap it in a way so that no air can go in the band, and it covers almost all crevices of the bark area with the strip.
Then, with a brush, paint a layer of sealer or tangle foot on the outside of the insulation. The band should look like the one in the given video. And you are all set to kill the cankerworm or spongy moth larvae!
Can You Wrap Trees to Kill Inchworms Maine Without Insulation?
Insulation can be hard to find in some regions. In that case, if you wonder how to get rid of cankerworms, then the homemade tree wrap is for you. Use burlap to block larvae paths on trees and kill them with these steps –
Step 1: Cut the Burlap
With a measuring tape or string, measure the trunk circumference and add 6 inches to the measurement to cut the burlap. Using a piece of scissor, cut a strip from the burlap by the length you have got from adding the extra inches.
And it should be at least 12’’ in width. The measurement can vary according to the width of the affected tree base. Just remember that the burlap ends should overlap each other.
Step 2: Wrap the Strip
Cut a cord long enough to wrap around the strip. Then, place the burlap band on the lower base of the trunk and overlap both of its ends. Tie the wrap in the middle with the cord.
If the tree has deep grooves and crevices, add another band over the burlap to block the moths’ access to lay eggs and get rid of them.
Step 3: Fold and Remove
From the top layer of the band, fold it to the middle so that a skirt forms. The inchworms’ Maine larvae will take shelter in it during excessive weather or heat.
Every alternate day, check for any moth in them, and if any, dispose of the larvae by placing them in a jar from the burlap. And November to January is the ideal season to wrap the trees and remove these pests.
How Does Wrapping Tree Kill the Moths or Inchworm’s Larvae?
Wrapping bands or burlap around the trees affected by inchworm larvae block the larvae’s paths to spring new worms. Due to the tanglefoot or band skirt, the wingless female moths cannot fly to the crown of the tree. As a result, they do not lay eggs and eventually die in the insulation.
Also, the sealer keeps the moths from crawling and reaching the top or bottom. Thereby, they cannot infest the tree, and due to lack of proper air and nutrients in the bands, they struggle and die. Or you can dispose of the worms stuck on the strip with bleach to kill them.
Banding trees during the winter season is most effective in killing larvae. This is because they become active in that season.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s):
Why Do People Wrap Trees Instead of Applying Insecticide to Control the Inchworms?
Sometimes, the infestation is so severe that multiple applications of insecticide are a must. Such applications can kill trees or nearby vegetation, so people opt for bands.
Is It Safe to Wrap Trees to Kill Larvae Inchworms Maine?
Yes, tree banding or wrapping is a chemical-free method. And it does not transfer toxic solutions to the branches or surrounding plants.
Are Cankerworms Dangerous to Humans?
No, they do not cause any potential harm to humans. They only affect the trees and mainly their trunk and root system.
Conclusion
If you do not want to kill the nearby vegetation by applying insecticide to the inchworm-affected trees, tree banding or wrapping is an ideal option for you. And it takes a few minutes to finish the process. Hopefully, this detailed discussion on how to wrap trees to kill larvae inchworms maine can break down the steps for your convenience.
In order to ensure effective outcomes, store-bought insulation is ideal for wrapping. Do not skip gloves while applying tanglefoot. Otherwise, it can stick to the hand and cause rashes and itching!