The yellow woollybear is generally known by its larval stage, a large yellow-red to light brown caterpillar which can do substantial damage to host plants. Found throughout all of North America, the yellow woollybear is active from spring to winter.
YELLOW WOOLLYBEAR BIOLOGY
Yellow woollybears overwinter in their pupal stage and in early spring, will emerge as a white moth approximately 40 mm in length. Once active, females will mate and begin egg laying targeting any leaves they think will serve as good food for their soon to hatch young.
YELLOW WOOLLYBEAR DAMAGE
The larval stage of the woollybear will eat most any plant grown in the garden as well as many species of ground cover found in most any landscape. Feeding larvae will ravish leaves putting stress on host plants. After 4-5 weeks, larvae will search for a good location to pupate and in another 2-4 weeks, emerge as an adult moth.
HOW TO CONTROL YELLOW WOOLLYBEARS IN THE GARDEN
If you want another organic option that works quickly, go with MULTIPURPOSE INSECT KILLER. This product works more like a traditional spray in that it will kill on contact with fast results. Most larvae will die within 5-10 minutes after being sprayed and treatments will usually remain active for a week.
Add 6 oz per gallon of water and use the mixture to cover up to 800 sq/ft of plant foliage. Retreat weekly until all caterpillar activity is stopped.
STRONGEST YELLOW WOOLLYBEAR SPRAY
For large lots, MAXXTHOR EC will be more cost effective to apply. Use .50 oz per 5,000 sq/ft which is about 5 oz per acre.
For reaching up high, our GREEN TOPPED HOSE END SPRAYER can spray as far as your garden hose can reach.
Our 20 Gallon Sprayer will require .75 oz of Cyonara and then enough water to fill the sprayer to the 5 gallon line. Next, you’ll hook it to your garden hose and spray the entire amount over 5,000 sq/ft. For 10,000 sq/ft, you’ll add 1.5 oz of concentrate and fill the line to the 10 gallon line (which is about half way up) and then apply that amount over 10,000 sq/ft.
Since yellow woollybears have been known to infest homes, be sure to spray down the sides of your house focusing on any side with activity. Treatments with any of the Cyonara will usually repel them away from the home and treated plants keeping them from getting inside living areas.
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