Season Defoliators

Orange striped oakworm (Anisota senatoria):  native moth, feeds on oak trees in late summer/early fall.

Diagnostics: Leaves will be completely stripped except for mid-ribs (or “veins”), usually will be isolated to specific branches or sections of the tree.  Will occur in late summer, early fall. Does not pose much threat to the trees because trees are preparing to lose their leaves for winter and are not depending on them as heavily for food as they would in the spring or early summer.

Treatment: Treatment usually is not warranted for this pest because it occurs later in the year when trees are not as stressed by defoliation. Affected branches may be pruned if unsightly.

More information about trees is here:http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/ufmdmain.htm or call the Fairfax County Urban Forest Management Division (UFMD) at 703-324-1770, TTY 711.