As the caterpillars grow, the nest expands to encapsulate even more leaves.
Some nests can reach more than 3 feet across.
But there’s good news: plants usually recover well the following year.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Still, there are several ways to get rid of webworms in trees and shrubs.
And don’t be fooled by their name.
Fall webworms often start spinning webs and eating foliage in June.
These summer infestations are smaller than the extensive colonies that form in late summer and fall.
In larger trees, you canprune out the affected branches.
Even if it’s possible for you to’t completely remove the nests, don’t worry.
Entomologists have found more than 80 predators and parasites that feast on them.
Encourage beneficial insects by plantingsunflowersand other plants in the daisy family in your yard.
Or purchase beneficial wasps from an online supplier.
Bt won’t cause damage to plants, people, or pets.
It’s most effective if you could break a hole in the webbing to spray it onto the pests.
However, Bt will also kill the caterpillars of manybutterflies like monarchs, so use it with caution.
Strategy 4: Spray Webworm Nests with Neem
Neem is one of several organic insecticides available.
Like Bt, it won’t cause damage to plants, people, or pets.
The damage looks far worse than it is.
The most organic approach is to let the webworms be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Webworms don’t turn into butterflies.
They turn into moths that are brown or dark gray.
These moths lay eggs on the undersides of leaves that typically hatch in June.
Small dry, brown patches in the grass could be a sign that webworms are present.
Brown webs in the upper branches of your trees are another indicator that you’re dealing with an infestation.
Webworms are not harmful to humans or pets.
They do not bite and are not toxic.
They only damage shrubs and trees, while leaving behind unsightly webs.
