The Eastern Tent Caterpillar is a species of caterpillar that is native to North America. These caterpillars are known for their distinctive behavior of constructing large silk tents in the branches of trees. Inside these tents, the caterpillars congregate and feed on leaves and other plant material.
Eastern Tent Caterpillars have a significant impact on the trees they infest. They can defoliate large areas of the tree, which can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to disease and other pests. In addition, the presence of the silk tents can be unsightly and may cause damage to the tree’s bark.
Treating Your Trees
If you have trees that are infested with Eastern Tent Caterpillars, you may want to consider having them treated. Here are some reasons why:
- Protect the trees: Eastern tent caterpillars can cause significant damage to trees by defoliating large areas of the tree. This can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to disease and other pests. Treating the trees can help to prevent this damage and preserve the health of the tree.
- Improve aesthetics: The presence of silk tents in trees can be unsightly and may detract from the overall appearance of your landscape. Treating the trees can help to remove these tents and improve the aesthetics of your property.
- Maintain property value: Trees are an important part of your property’s value. By preserving the health and appearance of your trees, you can help to maintain the value of your property over time.
- Prevent the spread of infestation: If left untreated, eastern tent caterpillar infestations can spread to other trees on your property and in the surrounding area. Treating the affected trees can help to prevent the infestation from spreading.
- Preserve biodiversity: While Eastern Tent Caterpillars are an important part of the ecosystem, they can also have a negative impact on biodiversity when their populations become too large. Treating the trees can help to control the population of caterpillars and maintain biodiversity in your area.
Having one or two branches affected can be easily managed by simply pruning the infected area out and burning the tents immediately. However, if you have a larger tree, or the tree is heavily infested, you will need to have a spray application and soil injection of insecticide to help treat the tree. Adding a good quality fertilizer can help the tree to recover as well.
If you would like to have your trees evaluated or treated, fill out the form here:
Images provided by Missouri Botanical Garden site https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/caterpillars/eastern-tent-caterpillar
