June 2013 - WSU Whatcom County Extension - Washington State ...

TentCaterpillarsAgainBy now, tents and the orange caterpillars should bevisible. Huge outbreaks were reported from WhidbeyIsland, San Juan Island and in Clallam County in 2012.Expect them to be abundant in new areas this year.Prune out nests (do not burn) or when caterpillars formmasses on the tree trunk, the underlying silk can be pulledoff along with the caterpillars which will cling to the silk.More details at http://snohomish.wsu.edu (search fortent caterpillar) or for controls check Hortsense or PNWInsect Management Handbook, Common LandscapePests.from Bugs & Blights, Sharon J. Collman, WSU SnohomishCounty ExtensionYou know that feeling you get when you make a difference to someone? I had that thismorning! My neighbor was freaked out by all the “web worms” on his trees. I looked atthem and told him these were not fall web worms, but were Western Tent Caterpillars. Itold him they come from a grayish/brown moth with some dark patterning, unlike thewebworm which comes from a white moth.He was concerned they were going to kill his trees. I reassured him and explained thatwhile defoliated, the branches or limbs had a good chance of recovery next spring and thatit was unlikely to kill his trees except for very young heavily infested trees. He was going tospray his trees, but I suggested he wait till evening, then just cut out the nest section of thebranch and put it in a bag in the trash.He was grateful and impressed and wondered how I knew this. I told him because I wastaking classes and studying to become a Master Gardener, and I learned about these fromWSU Extension.It made my day!Thanks!Mill (Millard Shires, MG 2013)