Common Problems

Tent Caterpillars

Symptoms

Caterpillars are marked with orange and black markings, and spin “tents” on the tips of branches.  Eggs hatch in early spring just as new buds break in April or May.  They are mostly a nuisance, they don’t bite, transmit disease, and aren’t poisonous.  They can cause slippery roads and walks when they leave.  If trees are healthy they will leaf out again, while weak trees may die.

Treatment

A pesticide application applied during the early stages of the life cycle will prevent the most damage.