Pecan tree heavily infested with Webworms Do you call them “Tent Caterpillars or Fall Webworm”? If you don’t know what I am referring to, just take a look at the caterpillars that wove tents in the many pecan and oak trees around the community. Actually, there are differences in the appearance of the actual worms. Eastern Tent Caterpillars have a black stripe down their back, but for all practical purposes, their feeding habits and other characteristics are the same. Most importantly, the tents look identical!

These unsightly tents contain several hundred caterpillars that feed off the leaves of these once beautiful trees. These worms have actually been feeding all summer since mid to late June, but have been only visible since the beginning of July. Tent caterpillars construct individual silk cases covered with bits of leaves from their last meal. An actively feeding caterpillar will have green leaves at the top of its tent.

Usually, tent caterpillars quit feeding and pupate in mid-late August when they are about 1.5 inches long. Once they quit feeding, spraying with insecticides is useless. Controlling tent caterpillars is rather easy. If you only have one or two “tents” in a tree, it is more practical to just break the limb that houses the tent (if you can reach them). However, if there are several tents in a tree, then spraying an insecticide is justified. From a homeowner standpoint, spraying with acephate (Orthene) or an overthe counter pyrethroid is the cheapest method of control. strongly advise adjusting your nozzle on straight stream, which will enable the insecticide to penetrate into the tent. Once a tent has been treated, in a day or so you will notice the worms will be no more than little balls inside. This is a clear indication that you have been successful with the treatment. Hopefully, once the caterpillars are dead the tent will rot, thus allowing the tree to rehabilitate.

I must mention that failing to control tent caterpillars could kill or severely injure a young oak or pecan tree. The quicker you can control these worms the better. We have been blessed to have many in Jenkins County!

As always, feel free to call the Extension Office (982- 4408) for further information.

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