Do you have tent caterpillars in your trees now? Fall webworm caterpillars are sometimes misidentified as gypsy moths or eastern tent caterpillars, but both of those species did their damage months ago.
Fall webworms are feeding on foliage, and may require control now.
Photo © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey
Fall webworm is a native pest of North America, but was also introduced into parts of Europe and Asia. The caterpillars construct a tent around the foliage at the ends of branches. As the caterpillars grow, they expand their tents to make more room. They feed on foliage of many hardwood trees.
While they aren't pleasant to look at, fall webworm can usually be left alone in northern areas. Their feeding phase is so short most trees won't be adversely impacted by the defoliation. In southern areas where webworm appears earlier, severe infestations may require control to prevent damage to your trees.
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