The team at Georgia Tree Company, Milton’s best tree service, is here to help with your gardening dilemmas.
In this post, we look at how to get rid of webworms in trees. Let’s deal with these ugly pests once and for all.
What Are Fall Webworms?
You’ll know these distinctive pests by their web—they spin around the foliage on a branch so that they can eat the leaves at their leisure.
The webworms expand their home as the food source dwindles. In the end, these nests can be over three feet long!
How Much Damage Can Webworms Do?
The good news for your trees is that the webworm’s work is more unsightly than deadly. Unlike with more severe tree injuries, pests, or diseases, your plant will recover. However, you may want to get rid of these bugs so that they don’t return the following year to cause more damage.
These pests thrive in over 90 species of trees but favor the following:
- Willow
- Alder
- Apple
- Cottonwood
- Pear
- Walnut
- Pecan
- Maple
- Elm
Start looking for the nests from June onwards. They’ll start out small but can encompass a whole tree by the end of summer.
Strategies to Control These Pests
Now, let’s look at how to get rid of webworms in trees. Arborists prefer organic control methods where possible because these won’t destroy the ecosystem.
Physically Remove the Webs
Your best bet is to clear out the nests as soon as they start.
- Tackle the web. Professionals will climb up and use a stick to clear out all the webbing or use the spray from a hose.
- Tackle the branch. If the problem is more extensive, arborists may prune the infested branch. Never trim more than a third of your tree’s foliage in one go, though.
- Tackle the worms. Some people stomp on the worms and throw them in the trash. If that’s a step too far, simply get rid of the webs and let the birds clear the caterpillar infestation.
Encourage Beneficial Insects
There are many species of wasps that will feed on the juicy grubs. Why not buy some of these from a reputable supplier?
Alternatively, plant sunflowers or daisies to draw helpful insects to your yard.
Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
This bacterium will kill many types of caterpillars, making it useful for infestations. It won’t hurt people, plants, or pets, so it’s better than an insecticide.
Unfortunately, it does kill beneficial caterpillars like butterflies, too.
Use Neem
This product is natural in origin and safe for people, pets, and plants. The downside is that it kills all the beneficial bugs as well, so be careful where you spray it.
Try to use it on a day when the wind is low. Break open the webs before spraying them.
Contact Us to Get Rid of Tree Bugs
Our team knows how to get rid of webworms in trees. We’re also experienced in other areas of plant health, such as noticing indications of tree disease and treating them.
Why wait? Call Georgia Tree Company at 404-990-0010 for a definitive diagnosis and quick resolution for your beautiful trees.