tree killers

bobio · 09-13-2006, 06:42 PM

I have never noticed so many caterpillar nests as I have seen these past few weeks. These damn insects are going to devistate our beautiful foliage as they did in southern New England the past few seasons. Is there something the state or towns could spray on them now before they become active?

Coolbreeze · 09-13-2006, 09:23 PM

Bobio, relax the tents and "caterpillars" are fall webworms. Not deadly to most trees...just unsightly. The first deep frost will kill them. The state won't spray them in most cases because they don't pose a economic threat to the states natural resources. Do not confuse these critters with Eastern Tent caterpillars or the Gypsy Moth, both a spring/early summer pests that will in extreme cases, kill trees. These two pests may need chemical control and will defoliate trees if left alone in severe infestations. But for now, don't spray the Fall webworms unless you need to. Prune out and break up tents if you can and for the most part, let mother nature take care of these pests while we keep an eye out next spring for the others more serious pests.

09-13-2006, 06:42 PM	#1
bobio Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South Shore, Ma./ South Down Shores, N.H. Posts: 60 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	tree killers I have never noticed so many caterpillar nests as I have seen these past few weeks. These damn insects are going to devistate our beautiful foliage as they did in southern New England the past few seasons. Is there something the state or towns could spray on them now before they become active?

09-13-2006, 09:23 PM	#2
Coolbreeze Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 332 Thanks: 0 Thanked 51 Times in 26 Posts	Bobio, relax the tents and "caterpillars" are fall webworms. Not deadly to most trees...just unsightly. The first deep frost will kill them. The state won't spray them in most cases because they don't pose a economic threat to the states natural resources. Do not confuse these critters with Eastern Tent caterpillars or the Gypsy Moth, both a spring/early summer pests that will in extreme cases, kill trees. These two pests may need chemical control and will defoliate trees if left alone in severe infestations. But for now, don't spray the Fall webworms unless you need to. Prune out and break up tents if you can and for the most part, let mother nature take care of these pests while we keep an eye out next spring for the others more serious pests.