The looper larvae feed briefly on new foliage and then retreat to older foliage. The larvae go through a series of four molts, changing with each molt. At this time larvae range in color from nearly black through light green to straw yellow. Two pair of dark spots are also evident on the top of their head. In late July, larvae begin seeking out protected spots to pupate.
Issues associated with the assessment of hemlock looper populations and their control are complex.
For more information please consult our website or call or write for further information. Bacillus thuringiensis is effective in controlling the hemlock looper if applied as directed . They reinspected the sites and surrounding areas for any evidence of additional infestation. In none of these situations was there any indication that HWA had spread from the removed trees. We also reinspected 65 sites where there were trees that may have come from infested shipments or were exposed to HWA in the nursery.