Mitigating the effects of the white satin moth (Leucoma salicis) in Thunder Bay’s urban forest

Abstract

The white satin moth, Leucoma salicis (L.), has been detected as a pest of urban trees in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Surveys were conducted in urban environments following the discovery of this introduced species to determine the extent of damage to urban trees and distribution within Thunder Bay. Further information was compiled to identify ways to locally mitigate the effects of the satin moth. Early management strategies, such as high-pressure water washing, Tanglefoot, and Btk should be utilized as short-term management approaches, and biological control agents, such as parasitoid wasps, should be implemented as a long-term management strategy to mitigate severe infestations.