How to identify and get rid of forest tent caterpillar

That wriggling mass on your trees? No, it’s not some caterpillar plague. It’s just a group of forest tent caterpillars trying to find a way to their next meal. These pests can cause serious damage to your trees by stripping them of their leaves, leaving them vulnerable and weakened.

Female forest tent moths lay their eggs in late summer, and the eggs stay dormant over the winter and then hatch in May. The caterpillars congregate together, spinning silken sheets on branches and trunks to protect them. In just a month or so, the caterpillars are fully grown and spin cocoons. The adults then emerge the next month and start the cycle all over again.

Forest tent caterpillars are fairly easy to identify by their blue and black bodies and their white markings down their back. They look like a lady in high heels stepped in paint, and then walked down the back of the caterpillar. They are also covered in fine hairs that give them a fuzzy appearance.

You’ll often find them in large groups, feeding on the leaves of trees. Unlike other tent caterpillars, like the eastern tent caterpillar, forest tent caterpillars don’t create large webbed tents; instead, they form silk mats on tree trunks and branches where they congregate.

How big are forest tent caterpillars?

The caterpillars get to be around 2 to 2 ½ inches long.

They are found throughout the United States, particularly in deciduous forests and wooded areas. You’ll find them on a variety of trees, including oaks, maples, and sweetgums. They rarely enter homes but can be seen on trees in your yard, especially during outbreaks.

Putting a stop to forest tent caterpillars can be a bit tricky for most homeowners, especially if your trees are mature and tall. Fortunately, your trees can take a bit of damage and still bounce back next year.

If you have smaller trees that are getting hit heavily by forest tent caterpillars, try these tips:

• Pruning: Remove and destroy any egg masses or caterpillars you find on trees to reduce their numbers.
• Encouraging natural predators: Birds, parasitic wasps, and predatory insects can help control caterpillar populations naturally.
• Maintain tree health: Keeping your tree healthy with proper watering and care can help your tree continue to grow new leaves.
• Water sprays: Use a strong jet of water to knock caterpillars off trees, making it harder for them to climb back up.