Webworm

Category:

Actual Size: The adult moth has a wingspan of 30 mm

Characteristics: Webworms are the caterpillar (larva) stage of webworm moths. Webworm caterpillars are yellowish and striped; moths are white and fuzzy.

Habits:

  • Webworm caterpillars nest in the soil over winter, and emerging as webworm moths during spring and summer.
  • They are common defoliators of deciduous trees.
  • Webworm caterpillars, after hatching in the summer, will begin to build webs in trees during late summer and early fall.
  • They are not considered a danger to trees, as the webs are made after trees have stored up most of their food reserves for the winter.

Habits and Problems with Webworms

The fall webworm has two distinct phases in its life: caterpillar (larva) and moth (adult). Webworms are known for their distinctive, tent-like webbing on the tips of tree foliage and decorative plants. They are distinctly different from the Eastern Tent-Caterpillar, which prefers to create webs in the crook of tree branches. Although they don’t cause permanent damage, webworm webs can be unsightly in large amounts. The webs also destroy blooms on late-flowering shrubs.

Webworm Prevention

Although they are not considered harmful to trees, most property owners prefer to eliminate webworm nests. A web can be removed by using a long branch to open the web itself. Webworms do not bite, and they are not poisonous, so there is little danger when removing a web.

Webworm Control

If an entire tree becomes infested with webworms, it may be wise to call a professional pest control company. An expert exterminator can make a positive identification and eradicate all web nests.

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