Fall Webworms

Fall webworm tents are prominent features of many landscapes this time of year. They set up shop in pecan, walnut, American elm, hickory, fruit, some maples, persimmon and sweetgum trees. They are well protected from contact insecticides within their water proof tent. In addition, fall webworms expand their tent as they feed rather than foray out to feed and return the way eastern tent caterpillars do. Look for large silken tents at the ends of branches. All the caterpillars are in the tent, so if tents are pruned from a tree the problem is solved. For larger infestations, use a systemic insecticide that will move into the plant tissue. This will ensure that caterpillars die when they consume leaves. Some systemic products are acephate, TriStar, and Acelepryn, which can be applied as foliar or drench applications. For recommendations, see http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/shrubs/note07/note07.html.