Tent caterpillars get their name because they spin unsightly webs
of white silky matter on the tips of shrubs and tree branches in
the early spring that resemble tents. These tents protect them from
predators and from the heat of the day as they feast on the leafy
substance around them during the day. They are three inches long
and display a yellow checkered pattern with a blue line down their
backs.
Prevention and Control
The easiest method would be to hand-strip the very visible
grayish-brown egg masses during the winter and destroy them before
they can hatch.
Affected Plants
Tent caterpillars thrive in bushes, dense tree branches and
shrubs.
Damage
If left alone, the tent caterpillars can totally defoliate any bush
or plant. A healthy plant could survive this ordeal, but in
general, most plants become stunted and deformed due to the
continue loss of growth ability.
Predator Insects
Natural predators include many garden birds, wasps and ground
beetles.
Natural Insecticides
Household ammonia, diluted with water and sprayed directly onto the
pests, will destroy them immediately.
Other Methods of Control
Once the tent caterpillars have been spotted on the plants, it is
best to hand-pick them and destroy them on contact. Chemical
solutions are not recommended as this method can also hurt and
damage other wildlife insects or birds.
