What Would Spring be Without Tent Caterpillars?

Eastern Tent caterpillars have hatched and can be seen making webs in the branch crotches of cherry, crabapple, and similar trees.  The caterpillars leave the web during the day to feed on leaves and return in the evening.

The Eastern tent caterpillar is hairy and black with gold, white, and blue markings. There is a white stripe down it's back. Caterpillars can grow up to 2 inches long.

This caterpillar is found throughout eastern North America. Many tree species can be infested. The Eastern tent caterpillar will feed on tree leaves and can completely strip new leaves from the tree. Eastern tent caterpillars rarely kill trees.

Simple physical destruction of the webs (do not use fire) is effective but should be done in the early morning or evening when the caterpillars are present or when it is raining since the caterpillars rarely leave the nest during rain. One way to destroy the nest and perhaps give you some extra satisfaction is to gently place the nest on the ground then with all your might jump up and down on the nest, enjoying every minute of your revenge by squashing them under your feet. A trick for those who are averse to touching the insects is to cover your hand with a plastic bag, scoop the web into the bag, and then turn it inside out and tie it shut.

Pesticides may also be used on small caterpillars. Spray the foliage, not the webbing. There are chemical controls of the Eastern tent caterpillar. Acephate, Sevin, and Mavrik are a few chemicals available to the homeowner for Eastern tent caterpillar control. Remember to follow the label recommendations and make sure the chemical is safe for the tree. One problem of chemical control is that typically these webs will be overhead and reaching the caterpillars with the spray may be cumbersome. (The use of trade names in this article does not constitute endorsement of one product to the exclusion of similarly labeled products.)

If only one nest is present in a large tree you do not need to worry about it. The more nests present, the more caterpillars there are to eat the tree leaves so remove webs that are within arms reach. If you have computer access Ornamental and Turf Insect Note No. 61 (http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/trees/note61/note61.html) has more information and pictures.

For more information or any gardening questions call the Master Gardeners at 237-0113 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 1-3 PM or you can leave a message for them at any time. They can also be reach via email at wilsonmastergardener@hotmail.com.

Date Created: 5/3/2004.