Fall Webworms: Have You Seen Webs In Your Trees?

Did You Know Fall Webworms Feed On Hundreds of Different Tree Species? 

Fall webworms are common, native moth found throughout the United States that feed on hundreds of tree species such as; walnut, hickory, ash, maple, oak, poplar, and so many more. Adult female moths lay their eggs on undersides of leaves in mid to late summer. The eggs take roughly a week to hatch. As the worms begin to hatch, they begin to feast on surrounding leaves in the tree they inhabit. As they spread out, they build tent-like webs which grow larger based on distance they travel for more leaves to eat.

Signs and Symptoms of Fall Webworms

Fall webworms are fuzzy caterpillars with either black or rusty-orange heads and pale yellow or green bodies. These caterpillars do most of the damage – not the adult moths as they begin to work on the tree. Fall Webworms eat away at the limbs causing defoliation or the loss of foilage. The most common signs of fall webworms damage can include the following:

• • • • • • Defoliation
          • Silken Web Nests
          • Early Leaf Drops

Webworm nests can grow in size up to three feet long and host thousands of immature caterpillars! They are the most active in late summer and fall.

Can Webworms Hurt My Trees?

The Webworm generally is not able to kill a tree however they can defoliate. Most people find the webs to be unappealing to look at.

Managing Fall Webworms

Removing worms can be achieved with fairly common practices. A simple solution to approach would be pruning the branches that have been impacted to and give the impacted area a water to prevent further damage. If you’re finding yourself and your trees over populated with Fall Webworms we highly recommend you call and schedule with our certified ISA Certified Arborist who specializes in Plant Health Care (PCH) and is skilled in directing you with the appropriate route for tree care.  Contact our staff, and schedule your free estimate and diagnosis.