HMI
May 21, 2018
In spring, tree leaves aren’t the only thing breaking out of their shells. After spending the winter in a hideaway, pesky insects also come alive in spring.
That’s the case for tent caterpillars, whose thick, woven webs dim the glow of a tree’s bloom.
Luckily, tent caterpillars are pretty easy to bat off, whether you opt for an insecticide or handy home remedy.
Tent worms, or Eastern tent caterpillars, are furry critters that eat tree leaves and weave large, silky webs around tree branches. You’ll spot them in spring, usually on black cherry, apple or crabapple trees. Sometimes, they’ll go after other fruit trees, too.
Tent caterpillars aren't usually a significant threat to healthy, mature trees. They do strip away some of the trees’ leaves and weave unpleasant looking webs, but that’s the worst of their damage.
But, there are two exceptions: black cherry trees and young trees are extremely vulnerable to tent caterpillars. If you spot caterpillars or their spider-like webs, treat these trees right away.
Getting rid of tent caterpillars is simple. Follow the steps below to say farewell to these buggers!