Webworms
Greetings Neighbors!
I have received many questions in recent days concerning the weblike pouches filled with worms/caterpillars that have suddenly popped up in many trees in our neighborhood and along the Bayou. I decided to go right to the experts at the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Bureau and speak to an Entomologist. I had the pleasure of speaking to Dr. Robert Puckett who gave me quite a bit of useful information on what seems to be an annual occurrence at this time of year. The webworms eat the leaves that can then stress the tree and cause leaf loss. The degree to which they appear seems to depend on prevailing conditions.
Dr. Puckett indicated that the canopy that protects the worms/caterpillars needs to be breached to expose these critters so that those that naturally prey on them will then allow nature to take care of the problem. Removing the canopies with a water hose that has pressure or a broom or tool to knock them down is one way to breach the canopies. He also said that if you have a tree with canopies in 15% - 20% of it, you should consider having the trees treated by a professional with something like Thuricide BT. After the canopies have been removed, be sure and keep an eye on the tree to ensure its health going forward.
Here is a more in-depth article from 2019 about Central Texas.
As always, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. Wishing you and your families a safe and fun summer!
On the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
All Gave Some; Some Gave All
(The American Cemetery at Omaha Beach)
Mary Sergesketter
VP - Operations
815 Elk Run Circle
713.240.9936
June 6, 2024