The webworm is a moth known principally for its larval stage, which creates the characteristic webbed nests on the tree limbs of a wide variety of hardwoods in the late summer and fall. It attacks over 80 different kinds of plants including many fruit nut, pecan and ornamental trees and shrubs. These webs are started near the tips of the branches and gradually are extended down the branch towards the trunk. The caterpillars cover and skeletonize the foliage as they proceed. The adult moths are white and are rarely noticed or recognized except to the trained eye. You must be proactive and release trichogramma wasps which destroy only the caterpillar eggs. Once the webworms arrive the wasps will no longer be as effective. In South Texas May is the perfect time to release the trichogramma wasps.
The webworm is a moth known principally for its larval stage, which creates the characteristic webbed nests on the tree limbs of a wide variety of hardwoods in the late summer and fall. It attacks over 80 different kinds of plants including many fruit nut, pecan and ornamental trees and shrubs. These webs are started near the tips of the branches and gradually are extended down the branch towards the trunk. The caterpillars cover and skeletonize the foliage as they proceed. The adult moths are white and are rarely noticed or recognized except to the trained eye. You must be proactive and release trichogramma wasps which destroy only the caterpillar eggs. Once the webworms arrive the wasps will no longer be as effective. In South Texas May is the perfect time to release the trichogramma wasps.
