It is reported that a single tent caterpillar in a tree could result in up to 20 percent destruction of the tree’s foliage. The little furry residents will emerge and begin eating through one branch of leaves at a time until they have reached their fill. Many homeowners are looking for advice from outdoor pest control experts so they can say goodbye to the treetop squatters once and for all. These pests are not to be confused with bagworms, which form a cone-shaped mass that hangs from limbs. Tent caterpillars build nests in the nodes and branches of trees. Bagworms are more difficult to get rid of if not caught immediately. Fortunately, there are a number of methods of ridding a tree of the tent caterpillars.
The Old-Fashioned Stick Method
Among the more common ways of dealing with tent caterpillars involves the use of a stick, rake, or other long object. If you are paying attention, these pests will give their location even before they have started feeding on the tree. A large white, web-like, net will begin to form in where branches meet the tree trunk. You can knock this down at first sight with an object of choice.
Pest control companies advise that you act fast. Once the caterpillars have been in place for a while, they will be able to live on their own without the comfort of the “nest.” At that point, breaking the webbing apart will only unleash the nuisance.
Let Nature Go to Work
If you’d rather not whack at them and you don’t wish to buy a product to cure the problem, consider employing nature’s own predators. Simply placing bird-friendly objects in your yard, such as a feeder, houses, or a birdbath, may help to alleviate your problem, as they are also bird prey.
Sticky or Slippery Strip
If you want to prevent the little creepers from appearing in the first place, consider wrapping the trunk of the tree with sticky or slippery strip. This will make it impossible for the caterpillars to reach the leaves.
Bacillus Thuringiensis
More commonly known as “BT,” this is a common ingredient in many yard care products meant to rid the trees and shrubbery of pests. This is a naturally occurring bacteria that kills caterpillars within minutes after they consume it. Lawn care services often recommend this method when the problem seems to be getting out of control.