Caterpillars strike again in Abitibi-Témiscamingue

For a second consecutive year, the arrival of summer in Abitibi-Témiscamingue is accompanied by an epidemic of small hairy and greedy caterpillars: the forest tent caterpillar. And even though they are found everywhere, ready to devour the leaves of aspen trees, experts urge resilience. Because, they say, the forest tent caterpillar is well rooted in the region.

People have noticed it, concedes forest protection technician, Christian Bélisle. We are witnessing an epidemic of forest tent caterpillar […] Last year, it was in Abitibi-Ouest. This year, the caterpillars seem more present in the MRC of Rouyn-Noranda and in Témiscamingue.

Well advanced, the epidemic must continue for another two or three weeks, while the caterpillars form their cocoons and hatch into moths. People will surely notice them in abundance, near streetlights in the citycontinues Mr. Bélisle, who is employed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests.

The caterpillars continue, in the meantime, to gorge themselves on the leaves on which they can find themselves. The livery will continue to defoliate, adds Christian Bélisle. There are large numbers of caterpillars in some places. There are already trees in urban areas that are defoliated quite severely, just like in public forests.

Limited remedies

Often criticized, the forest caterpillar is nevertheless part of the forest ecosystem of Abitibi-Témiscamingue. To the point where epidemics are described as regular by Mr. Bélisle.

The last one in Rouyn-Noranda dates back to 2016, for example. The one currently unfolding is favored by the recent winter, considered mild, according to the forest protection technician.

Epidemics occur approximately every ten years. When an epidemic begins, it spreads over a period of three to five years, depending on the sectors and forests attacked.

For budding gardeners, however, recourse is limited. If it is possible to protect an isolated tree, with sticky strips, jets of water or even insecticidal soap, Mr. Bélisle warns that the situation gets complicated in the forest. There is not much to do, warns the professional. It is there and it will continue to eat the leaves of the trees.

Not a threat

Mr. Bélisle, however, doubts that the forest caterpillar represents a threat. This species of caterpillar, which has several predators, is not voracious enough to destroy healthy trees.

It is the already weakened trees which will perhaps, after several epidemics over several years, have a slightly higher mortality rate. […] But, generally, forests are very resilient and recover very wellconcludes Christian Bélisle.