Spray schedules will vary from county to county, so contact your local Cooperative Extension Office to determine the appropriate time to apply the insecticide in your area. Cover soil with fresh, weed-free mulch. Protect strawberries from late frost. Spray smaller trees with Isotox Insect Killer or Orthene Systemic Insect Control, when tiny larvae are first noticed. Repeat the spray at weekly intervals if damage continues.
Homeowners can reduce infestations by destroying egg masses during the winter months.
During the spring when larvae are feeding, place burlap bands on trees, leaving the bottom edge unattached. Larvae will crawl under these flaps to hide during the day. Collect and destroy them daily. Keep trees otherwise healthy by fertilizing regularly and watering during periods of drought. When planting trees, choose species that are less favored by the gypsy moth.