Reply To: Will trichogramma work on oak moths?

[E. Vinje]

Hi Jim –

We’ve done some research on how to control California Oakworm and feel that trichogramma wasps would be very helpful for this. Adult oak moths lay eggs — in small clusters — mostly on the undersides of leaves which trichogramma will aggressively seek out and lay their eggs in. The tiny parasites then hatch inside the moth egg, consume the contents, and emerge to seek out and destroy more moth eggs. Other predators/ parasites of the California Oakworm include lacewing, pirate bugs, birds and spiders. Use Bt sprays on any caterpillars that hatch to minimize damage to the “good bugs” in your trees.

When we kill off the natural enemies of a pest. We inherit their work!” – C.B Huffaker

Hope this helps!