Winter moths are back in season in RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - It’s winter so it’s that time of year again for the winter moths.

The recent warm weather has brought these large moths out in full force.

Winter moths are not native to this area. Kim Calagano the Refuge manager for the Rhode Island Audobon Society tells Eyewitness News that they were introduced from Europe to Canada and have slowly come south into Southern New England.

They appear from mid-November through December during their mating season.

The females lay their eggs in various kinds of trees and when the babies hatch they defoliate the trees.

Experts try to stop this infestation by introducing parasitic flies which attack the larvae and they say so far it has been successful.

Winter moths are not the kind of moths you have to worry about. Experts say they wont do damage to you or your property.

They say to get rid of them just gently sweep them off your house with a broom.