How to manage the 2021 moth migration
Miller Moth migration is about to begin for 2021, but the predictions are looking better for Wyoming this year.
Last year, an unusally heavy number of moths took to their migratory path through Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and bordering areas, entering homes and upsetting residents.
According to a report by Entomologists Whitney Cranshaw and Frank Peairs, "The 2020 season was also one of the larger moth flights that have occurred in eastern Colorado over the past 35 years."
As they explain, the moths cause several problems for home owners, including leaving an odor when they die in large numbers indoors and causing some people excessive stress and agitation.
"Miller moths also may spot drapes or other surfaces, such as unfinished wood. Probably the greatest damage done by millers is the lost sleep resulting from their flying about the room and the (generally needless) worry that they may cause some damage to the building or furnishings." --Cranshaw and Peairs
There was also extensive crop damage in 2020.
"The eastern plains had more reports of crop damage to alfalfa and winter wheat caused by the miller moth larvae, called cutworms, than usual,” Scott Schell, entomology specialist with University of Wyoming Extension, told the Powell Tribune.
It's good news then that we can expect a return to normal numbers of Miller Moths this year. Although, they will still be troublesome in some areas.
What are Miller Moths?
There are several moths given the name Miller. The 'Miller' found in the Wyoming and surrounding areas is the migrating adult stage of Army Cutworms.
‘Miller moth’ is the term given to any type of moth that is abundant in and around homes. --Colorado State University Miller Moth Fact Sheet
They were given the name because of their fine wing scales. The scales rub off easily, leaving a dusty powder, which reminded people of flour covering the clothes of a miller.
How to Deal With the Moths
Luckily, there are a few actions we can take to reduce and manage the moths if they find their way into Wyoming residential areas.
Millers appear to be drawn to outdoor lights, like all moths, but Schell explains, “it is actually more a confused reaction than attraction.”
Check window and door shutters, and seal up any cracks big enough for the moths to crawl through.
Schell recommends we turn off our outdoor lights or althernatively switch to yellow bug lights. He also suggests checking window and door shutters, and sealing up any cracks big enough for the moths to crawl through. This will limit them using our homes as hiding spots during the day.
As for cleaning up any moths that have made their way inside, Schell recommends using a vacuum to remove and collect them “rather than swatting and risk squishing them on the wall.”