|
|
 |
|
Webworms |
| Spring webworm and fall webworm larvae form a
web that can cover individual leaves, leaf clusters or whole
branches, growing to several feet in diameter. Larvae grow to
about 1 inch long, with pale yellow or greenish bodies marked
with a broad mottled stripe containing 2 rows of black tubercles
down the back. They are covered with tufts of long whitish
hairs. Adults are mostly white with dark spots on the wings. |
| Larvae produce loose webbing around leaves and branches;
larval hairs may cause skin irritation. Larvae will feed on
leaves of a large number of tree species. Webworms can appear as
early as April in south Texas. However, the last generation is
the most damaging. |
| Over winters as pupae in a silken cocoon in leaf litter or
in cracks on rough bark. Adults emerge in spring. Oviposit eggs
in masses on leaf undersides that appear covered with hair.
First instars begin feeding on leaves, spinning silken webs
enveloping their feeding sites. There can be up to eleven
instars. Two to 4 generations occur per year, depending on
locality. |
|
 |
| Step One |
| Cut off branches infested
with webworms and throw the branches in the trash. For
trees that are not tall or overly infested, this a good
method of removing the nests |
| Step Two |
| Spray with a chemical agent
like Drusban or Diazanon. Open the nest and spray until
thoroughly damp. Also,
spray the area and leaves around the nest. |
| Step Three |
| Open the nests with a stick
and let birds clean up the problem for you. Birds will
eat the webworms once you open the nests |
|
 |
|
Call to discuss any other information or to schedule
an appointment |
 |
|
|
