Description
    The fall webworm is widely distributed throughout eastern United States and feeds on a wide variety of hosts. It is easily recognized by its characteristic web, which encloses one or more branches of a tree and sometimes an entire small tree. Webs begin appearing about mid-July on the outer tips of branches. As the summer progresses, the webs enlarge and become more noticeable. The larvae live inside the web, as many as several hundred to a colony. Very young larvae feed only on the cells of the upper surfaces of leaves but as they grow older they consume entire leaves. Full-grown larvae are usually pale yellow or green with a broad dark stripe down the center back and a yellow stripe down each side..The body is covered with gray or red hairs that measure about 1 inch long. The adult is a white moth with dark spots on the wings.

Injury
    When the insect is abundant, whole trees may be enclosed within webs and eventually defoliated. Defoliation several years in a row may weaken the tree and slow its growth. Defoliated branches are normally not killed and will leaf out again, sometimes within a few weeks.

Control
    Remove webbing and caterpillars by hand when they first become noticeable. It is not necessary to remove the branches. Repeated defoliation over several years' time may require chemical control. Consult your local county extension agent for recommended controls.