10 Things to Know about Fall Webworm in Arkansas

STATEWIDE ARK. – Fall webworms are a common sight across Arkansas from late August until late October. Don’t get too concerned – this small creature is not considered a “forest pest” because it rarely kills the host tree. It is, however, unsightly and occasionally may cause damage to pecan groves. Fall webworms are most commonly found on pecan, persimmon and other fruiting trees, and occasionally other hardwood leaves. Fall webworms can be removed by simply clipping and disposing of the web, or at the very least – creating holes in the web so that birds, ants and other predators/insects can eat the caterpillars.

Learn more! Below, find 10 Things to Know about Fall Webworm in Arkansas:

1.       Fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, is a native moth that is found throughout the eastern U.S.

2.       It is capable of consuming about 120 species of hardwood trees, but prefers persimmon, walnut, and hickory.

3.       The caterpillars create silken tents that keep them safe while feeding on leaves. These webs are on the ends of branches, which can be easily pruned out.

4.       The adult is a good-looking moth with a 4 cm wingspan. Females are pure white and males may have black spots on the wings.

5.       In Arkansas, the moth may have up to four generations per year, and webs will appear more abundant late-summer.

6.       Like most native pests, they become abundant when conditions are favorable (i.e., mild weather and less biocontrol). Native insect outbreaks have a tendency to crash when natural controls lower their population to normal levels again.

7.       Fall webworm is unlikely to kill trees because their damage occurs late in the growing season. Complete defoliation and multiple years of damage could weaken a tree enough to cause harm.

8.       Caterpillars remain in the tree unless they run out of food due to competition with siblings. They will move to the ground to pupate over the winter.

9.       Keeping the webs under control can take some effort. Prune webs as early as you see them over summer months.

10.   Some insecticides are labeled for webworms. Products with the active ingredients carbaryl and Bacillus thuringiensis are easily available to homeowners.