There are 26 known species of tent caterpillars, many with multiple subcategories. If you haven’t already spotted cocoons in your trees, they’ll likely be arriving soon! Both tent caterpillars and gypsy moth caterpillars can defoliate acres of trees, making outdoor spaces less enjoyable during their active season.
Trees Most Affected by Tent Caterpillars
While most trees will recover and produce new leaves after an infestation, the presence of these pests can be a nuisance, with caterpillars crawling on driveways, decks, and playground equipment.
Tent caterpillars are particularly fond of:
- Wild Cherry
- Choke Cherry
- Apple Trees
- Ornamental Crabapple Trees
They can also infest:
- Hawthorn
- Mountain Ash
- Box Elder
- El
- Maple
- Birch
- Willow
- Poplar
- Oak trees
Trees Most Affected by Gypsy Moth Caterpillars
Gypsy moth caterpillars feed on a wide range of trees, including:
- Oak
- Maple
- Apple
- Crabapple
- Aspen
- Willow
- Birch
- Mountain ash
- Pine
- Spruce
Don’t Be Deterred!
You can still enjoy these beautiful trees with proper care and management. In spring, if you see webs in your trees, remove colonies of young larvae by clipping and destroying the tents when caterpillars are at rest—typically in the early morning, late evening, or on cool, rainy days.
For taller trees, use a pole pruner to remove nests. Once caterpillars emerge from their cocoons, applying insecticides like Bonide’s Eight or liquid Sevin can help control their population. Always follow the product label for instructions and application rates to ensure safe and effective use.
Need Help With Pests? Visit Us for Expert Advice and Supplies!
With 15+ locations across 3 states Meadows Farms is close by and happy to help. Our expert team will walk you through options and help figure out the best way to deal with pests. Visit us today.