BY LAURYN BECKER
Have you been violently attacked by moths this year, or seen an abundance of dead moths everywhere? Are you constantly living in a state of fear anytime you’re outside by a light that you’re going to be pummeled by a swarm of moths?
Well, you’re not alone. FHSU Biology professors Medhavi Ambardar and Hillary Gillock know exactly why the moths are swarming to Kansas this year.
“Many of the moths we’ve been seeing the past few weeks are adults of the Army Cutworm caterpillar. Every spring, they migrate west towards the Rocky Mountain areas of Colorado and Wyoming to spend the summer,” Gillock said.
These moths, also known as Miller moths, aren’t new to Kansas. What is new, is the abundance of these moths swarming Kansas.
So, why? What is drawing them here more this year than in other years?
“From what I understand, the drought conditions have led to higher moth numbers this year,” Ambardar said. “Typically, there are fungi that keep populations of caterpillars down, but with the reduced precipitation over the last year, this hasn’t happened as much, leading to an increase in these moths in the region.”
Gillock said these moths, while annoying, are very helpful to wildlife.
“I’m guessing the numbers are higher this spring due to more rainfall last year in eastern Kansas and Missouri. This means more grassroots for the caterpillars to eat, and bigger populations. The numbers here seem to already be decreasing this week, and I think the migration is winding down,” Gillock said. “They do make an excellent food source for birds and other wildlife while they’re here, though.”
Because of these contributing factors, it is taking a toll on people both inside and outside. Ambardar has some tips on how to keep the moths out:
“Moths tend to be attracted to light, so people could try turning off outdoor lights for the time being if possible. I have also read reports of people keeping a bucket of soapy water underneath outdoor lights. If the moths get into the water, it keeps them from being able to fly,” she said. “If you have moths in your house, you can try using a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck them up. I actually found one in my car the other day. I wasn’t sure how it got in because I don’t think I had my windows down.”
While this nuisance of the moths swarming is annoying, Gillock says there is some good news.
“We’re on their migration path west, as they follow the progression of the blooming plants. This fall, they will head back east to the midwestern states to mate and lay eggs in the soil,” Gillock said of the moths leaving the area. “The caterpillars overwinter, emerge as adults in the spring, and the cycle continues,”
Ambardar agreed, saying there is relief coming soon when it comes to the moths.
“From what I have been reading, the moths will actually migrate west to the mountains. That’s what they are doing now,” she said. “We can probably expect them to leave the area in the next few weeks or so.”
An article by Smith’s Pest Management, labeled, “5 Reasons You’re Seeing More Bugs This Summer [2023],” states the reason insects are so attracted to the Great Plains area is due to climate change, global warming, and droughts.
But with recent rains, it has many asking everywhere: will rain help wash away the moth apocalypse?
“I’m honestly not sure,” Ambardar said. “I’m hoping that it will move them out of the area more quickly, though.”
The good news is that the moths are now on their way out west and shouldn’t be as big of a nuisance anymore. For more information on Army Cutworm caterpillars, visit https://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=IILEYKV0W0.