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Caterpillars

Several kinds of caterpillars feed in groups or colonies on trees and shrubs and produce a silken "tent." The most common type in the Spring is the Eastern Tent Caterpillar and in the Summer through the Fall it is the Fall Webworm.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar

The Eastern Tent Caterpillar are more or less common on the forks of branches on cherry and apple during May and June, and are used as a shelter during molting and resting periods. These caterpillars are sociable until full grown and enlarge their tent until they are full grown. Cherry and apple are the favored food plants. Plum, peach, hawthorn, pear, rose and some of the deciduous forest and shade trees may be attacked.

If accessible, the tents can be pulled out and removed by hand. Pruning to remove the tent can be done if needed, but doing this and burning usually results in doing more damage than the caterpillars. Numerous natural enemies attack all of the tent making caterpillars. Birds, predaceous insects and hunting wasps prey on the caterpillars. Various tachinid flies and parasitic wasps are important as parasites. Tent caterpillars are also susceptible to virus diseases that can devastate populations. Selective control of all the tent making caterpillars can be achieved with biological insect controls. Timing is critical. Other insect controls are available that can give excellent control. Control is best achieved when the webs are small. Treating the web as well as the area around the web is beneficial so that the young susceptible caterpillars will feed on the treated leaves as they expand their web.

Fall Webworm

Similar to the Eastern Tent Caterpillar, the Fall Webworm prefers to feed and nest in deciduous trees. Birch, cherry, crabapple, walnut, and maple are among their favorites. Typically appearing in late summer or early fall, they construct their web over the end of the branches as opposed to the crotch of the tree like the Eastern Tent Caterpillar.

Control for these pests is the same as for the Eastern Tent Caterpillar. Mechanical removal either by hand or pruning can be done. There are also many natural enemies of the webworm, such as birds and insects. Treatment using a control product is best done in July or August when the webs and very small.

Information gathered from the University of Vermont Extension Service and Colorado State University Extension Service. Feb 02 RN