Tent Caterpillars

TENT CATERPILLAR IDENTIFICATION

Tent caterpillars are the tent-forming larvae of several species of thick-bodied moths. These pests hatch in spring and create silky, protective webs in tree and shrub branches. Species vary significantly, but common tent caterpillars grow from 1/8 inch at hatching to 2 inches long when mature. Fine reddish hairs cover their black or blue bodies. A whitish stripe or series of bluish-white dashes run down their backs. Pale-blue or black spots and red-orange stripes may line their black or pale-blue sides.

Adult tent caterpillar moths vary in color from light tan to reddish-brown, with two pale bars across their forewings. Females are generally lighter in color, with wingspans of about 1 inch. Smaller males are darker brown. Tent caterpillar moths have stout, furry-looking bodies with feathery, comb-like antennae. Their shiny, dark egg masses — easily seen in winter — wrap completely around twigs and small branches.

SIGNS OF TENT CATERPILLARS

Unlike fall webworms, tent caterpillars weave their tents in spring. Spring webbing in trees and shrubs indicates tent caterpillars have hatched and started feeding. Leaves nearest the webbing disappear first. As larvae grow, so grows the web and tree or shrub damage. These pests defoliate entire trees in severe cases, leaving plants weak and subject to other pests and diseases.

HOW TO CONTROL TENT CATERPILLARS

Effective tent caterpillar control reaches these pests starting in spring when they're young, small and feeding outside their protective nests. Amdro brand offers two powerful liquids that kill tent caterpillars by contact and provide residual control that keeps killing these pests for up to three months:

• Amdro Quick Kill Insect Killer for Lawn & Landscape Ready to Spray provides a fast, easy way to treat trees, shrubs and flower garden areas. No mixing or measuring is required on your part. Just attach the container to an ordinary garden hose and let it take care of the rest. This product works in minutes to kill tent caterpillars by contact and keeps protecting for up to three months.
• Amdro Quick Kill Insect Killer for Lawn & Landscape Concentrate, designed for use with a pump-style sprayer, comes with a convenient measuring cap. It's simple to get just the right amount for the task. Dilute the product according to label instructions, then spray tree and plant surfaces — including caterpillar webs — thoroughly. This product starts working immediately and kills tent caterpillars by contact for up to three months.

TENT CATERPILLAR CONTROL TIPS

Prevent tent caterpillar eggs from hatching by removing their egg masses before spring. Prune and destroy egg-carrying twigs and branches in late winter.

Always read product labels and follow the instructions carefully. Amdro and Amdro Quick Kill are registered trademarks of Central Garden & Pet Company.