Tent Caterpillar

The larvae of several moth and butterfly species are collectively referred to as tent caterpillars. Here’s how to get rid of them naturally without resorting to toxic sprays.

The larvae of several moth and butterfly species (listed below) are collectively referred to as tent caterpillars. Distributed throughout much of the United States and Canada, these caterpillars multiply rapidly and can defoliate a large number of deciduous trees and shrubs in a short time. They are often seen on roadside trees and in neglected orchards. Besides defoliation the larvae produce large unsightly webs, or tents, in the crotches of tree branches. These webs are used to protect the caterpillars from predators and the elements. Although tent damage is unsightly, infestations rarely threaten the lives of trees. Four species are commonly discussed:

Table of Contents

Identification

Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum) – Found east of the Rockies and north into southern Canada. Full grown caterpillars (2 inches long) are sparsely hairy and black in color with a row of pale blue spots on each side. They have a white stripe down the center of their backs that makes them easy to identify. Adults (1-1/2 inches long) are reddish brown moths with two white bands running diagonally across each forewing. Host plants include cherry, apple and crabapple, but may be found on a variety of shade trees as well.

Western Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum) – Troublesome in the northern and western portions of the United States and adjoining Canada. These hairy caterpillars (2 inches long) are yellowish-brown in color and have a row of blue spots on their backs, with orange spots interspersed in between. Adult moths (1-1/2 inches long) are orange-brown in color with two narrow yellow lines on the wings. Willow, poplar, cottonwood, birch, apple, plum, cherry, roses and oak are favorite host plants of this pest.

Forest Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) – Found throughout the United States and Canada wherever hardwoods are found. Despite its name, this pest does not spin a true tent; instead, it forms a silken mat on the surface of branches where they congregate. Larvae are similar in appearance to M. americanum but have a series of keyhole-shaped white spots running down their back instead of a solid line. Adults are light yellow to tan colored moths (1-1/2 inch long) with two dark bands on their forewings. Host plants include wild cherry, aspen, maple, oak and hawthorn.

Fall Webworm (Hyphantria cunea) – Common across North America and Mexico, webworms are known to feed on over 85 species of trees. Unlike tent caterpillars that build a nest in the crotch of trees, webworm tents are located at the outer ends of branches and often include leaves. Caterpillars (1 inch in length) are covered with long hairs and vary in color from yellow to green, with a black stripe on the back and a yellow stripe on each side. Their heads are either red or black. Adult moths (1 inch long) are pure white in color and usually have dark spots on the wings.

Life Cycle

Most species of tent caterpillars overwinter in the egg stage. Dark brown to gray egg masses containing 150 to 400 eggs are attached around the small twigs of trees and shrubs. Hatching takes place about the time that leaf buds begin to unfold, usually in early spring. Caterpillars are gregarious and soon construct silken tents which they uses as a refuge during the early morning and evening hours and during rainy spells. They leave their protective tent and feed only during the day, laying down a silk trail as they crawl to help them find their way back to the shelter. Approximately six weeks after hatching, and five instars later, the larva become fully grown (up to 2 inches long, sparsely hairy). Pupation occurs in silken cocoons which are found on tree trunks, fences, or leaf litter. About two weeks later adult moths emerge and soon deposit the overwintering eggs. There is one generation a year.

Note: Larvae can be a nuisance when they begin to migrate to protected areas to pupate. They are often found by the thousands traveling over roads, streets, driveways, walkways, fences and buildings.

How to Control

Scrape off and discard overwintering egg masses and tear the protective tents out by hand before the larvae start to feed.
Restrict caterpillar movement and cut off access to feeding areas with Sticky Tree Bands or Tree Tanglefoot Pest Barrier.
The natural, soil dwelling bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt-kurstaki is particularly effective on inch worms of all types. Use easily applied spray to hit worms and protect the leaves at the first signs of damage. BTK sprays do not harm honey bees or birds and are safe for use around pets and children.
Spinosad, another biological agent derived from fermentation, is also very effective. It’s the active ingredient in Monterey Garden Insect Spray, a product classified as organic by the U.S.D.A. National Organic Program and listed for organic use by the Organic Materials Review Institute.
AzaMax contains azadirachtin, the key insecticidal ingredient found in neem oil. This effective spray disrupts growth and development of pest insects and has repellent and anti-feedant properties. Best of all, it’s non-toxic to honey bees and many other beneficial insects.
Fast-acting botanical insecticides should be used as a last resort. Derived from plants which have insecticidal properties, these natural pesticides have fewer harmful side effects than synthetic chemicals and break down more quickly in the environment.

Note: More than 80 species of predators and parasites have been identified in the United States, yet they are not commercially available. These insects play an important role in maintaining pest populations during most years. As a result, care most be taken when applying pesticides to minimize damage to these beneficial organisms.

Tent Caterpillar

Identification

Life Cycle

How to Control

Recommended Products

TreeTanglefoot (15oz)

TreeTanglefoot (4.5lb)

Garden Dust

Bt kurstaki (Bt-k)

Garden Insect Spray (Spinosad)

AzaMax (Azadirachtin)

Yard & Garden

Orchard Spray

Pest Problem Solver

Company

Support