THE SELF-TAUGHT GARDENER: Immigration policy and the moth formerly known as gypsy – theberkshireedge.com

The caterpillar of the sponge moth has distinctive markings, including a pattern of five blue and six red dots along their backs.

This season has been a particularly challenging one for local gardeners particularly for those who love apples, oaks, larches, cherries, hazels, willows, and elms. It became apparent about a month ago that European sponge moths, or Lymantria dispar as they are scientifically known., would be bad this year. Small black hairy caterpillars seemed to be raining down from the sky, landing on people, houses, and the surrounding landscape. As they matured, the caterpillars developed a mottled yellow to gray pattern with tufts of hairs and a pattern of five blue and six red dots along their backs. For many years, this species was commonly known as gypsy moths until the North American Entomological Association decided this year to give them the more politically correct common name of sponge moth, due to the spongy appearance of the egg cases which they lay on the trunks of trees. Evidence of their eating habits is not difficult to spot, as these moths literally defoliate, virtually overnight, the trees and shrubs that comprise their diet.

The name change may be motivated by political correctness, but the other end of the political spectrum can hardly co-opt the story of these moths as one of unwanted illegal immigrants coming to this country and consuming more than their share of the bounty of our landscape. Unlike birch borers and sawflies, sponge (nee gypsy) moths did not stow away on materials from other countries and slip underneath the radar of the immigration and customs services; rather they were invited into this country by a few Massachusetts entrepreneurs in the 19th century. These businessmen hoped these moths could replace the silkworm species that was succumbing to disease and that their silken threads could be used to produce fabric to rival the silks of Asia. In essence, it was a form of legal immigration not unlike the importation of skilled workers often espoused by the far right as the only form of immigration that our country should allow. I guess you do not always get what you expect when it comes to importing labor.

And, just like many of us whose families immigrated to America and comprise so much of our populace, they are here to stay. So how do we learn to peaceably coexist? After more than a century of cyclical infestations, we have several approaches to help minimize the damage from hungry masses of sponge moths. Some people apply BtK, a form of Bacillus thuringesis that naturally occurs on leaves and in soil. It is easily administered and is effective in killing young caterpillars who consume it within a week of spraying, Unfortunately, it may also kill caterpillars of other moths and butterflies. (Research claims BtK does not impact other beneficials such as ladybugs and pollinators such as honeybees.) This policy has its merits but also significant drawbacks to the broader population.

At this same stage, the caterpillars can be handpicked and put in soapy water, which can feel empowering, but numerically speaking this approach may not be effective (and as some people are allergic to the caterpillars, using gloves is recommended). This approach seems at once ineffective and punitive, but I must admit I have participated in such activities. Others have banded trees and tried to prevent the caterpillars from climbing up to their food source with some success, though others claim this has not proven very effective. This to me, seems like the entomological equivalent of moving to a gated community, but who am I to judge?

As one watches these insects eating more than their share of leafy greens, a gardener can start to be concerned about living in a leafless world. Perhaps one of the most effective strategies for dealing with these insects is eradicating their egg cases by either removing them from tree trunks or by spraying horticultural oil on the trunks of trees and shrubs in the off season. But that does little to alleviate the current situation and the panic it inspires. And depending on your politics or religion, this approach may not match your belief in the sanctity of life and procreation. For me, this approach seems the most reasonable measure, but I understand there is a population that does not believe in birth control and, for this group, such a solution may be problematic.

As hard as it is for gardeners to believe, it is true that most healthy trees and shrubs will refoliate and push forth new leaves after the cycles of the sponge moth have run their course. And after a few seasons, nature will create a pandemic in the moth universe and diseases will reduce the population after a few seasons of high birth rates.

As we live through our own pandemic, this last concept raises an essential question: Does the world right itself if we work towards balance and peaceful coexistence with our fellow inhabitants on Earth? Do not let this last statement make you think that I am innocent of efforts to control sponge moths in my own gardenbut I am changing course on when and how I go into battle and hope we all work to find policies that match both our needs and our values.

____________________________________A gardener grows through observation, experimentation, and learning from the failures, triumphs, and hard work of oneself and others. In this sense, all gardeners are self-taught, while at the same time intrinsically connected to a tradition and a community that finds satisfaction through working the soil and sharing their experiences with one another. This column explores those relationships and how we learn about the world around us from plants and our fellow gardeners.

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THE SELF-TAUGHT GARDENER: Immigration policy and the moth formerly known as gypsy - theberkshireedge.com