Forest Tent Caterpillar

What is a forest tent caterpillar?

Forest tent caterpillars are dark coloured with white spots down their back. Mature larvae are typically 5 cm in length. The body is covered with long hairs, also known as setae. There is one generation a year, which emerge in June, when the larvae will spin a cocoon and pupate. The adult moth is yellow or tan with a thick, furry body. Both forest tent caterpillars and fall webworm create webbing on branches of trees and shrubs. However, fall webworm webs are "messier" and encompass the entire end of a branch and its leaves, whereas forest tent caterpillar webs are situated more in the nodes of branches and have a "tent" appearance.

What kind of damage is caused by forest tent caterpillars?

Forest tent caterpillars feed on a large number of trees, including ash, poplar and chokecherry. In some cases these insects can completely defoliate a tree but trees typically recover. With several years of heavy defoliation trees can decline.

How do I control forest tent caterpillars?

Typically outbreaks last 3-7 years and most trees do not decline. During an outbreak of forest tent caterpillars, the large number of insects can be a nuisance. They may be removed from a tree with a blast of water.