If you’re in the City of North Vancouver and you happen to see hordes and hordes of looper moths in the area, there’s no need to worry even a bit. This is an entirely natural phenomenon.
The City of North Vancouver reported that since the fall of 2020, it had received many calls about these insects, which seem to be everywhere from downtown areas to highly urbanized spaces.
It also stressed that there is an ongoing looper moth upsurge taking place, and it’s natural to observe these winged creatures in and around the North Shore at this time.
Scientifically known as western hemlock looper moths, these creatures are a type of defoliator whose larvae feed primarily on broad-leaved trees and conifers. Unlike some of their cousins, these moths do not bite and have a penchant for paper, pantry items, or clothing.
They do have a taste for needles on conifers and hemlocks in particular, though, hence the name.
The City of North Vancouver shared that upsurges involving western hemlock looper moths typically happen every 11 to 15 years and last for approximately four years. And given the time frame that these insects have been spotted in the area, it is calculated that North Vancouver is still in year 3 of the upsurge.
This means we’ll get to see more of these western hemlock looper moths for a long time.
