THOUSAND OAKS PARK CATERPILLAR INFESTATION UPDATE

If you've been to the park this week, you may have noticed far fewer caterpillars. They have now formed cocoons, which are visible on the tree bark. Tussock moths will emerge from the cocoons in about two weeks, returning to them in September to lay their eggs. The eggs remain dormant throughout the winter. During that period, the Parks Department will apply a treatment that prevents the eggs from hatching. This should significantly reduce the caterpillar population next spring. Although many leaves have been damaged or completely consumed, we have been assured our trees will survive. The Parks Department will continue to keep us informed.