SILKWORMS

Silkworms can be a concern when they establish themselves on trees and vegetation around homes or businesses. While most silkworms are generally harmless, wild silk moth caterpillar larvae can be seen often and wreak havoc on properties. Often found on various trees and plants, these caterpillarscreate unsightly webbing and feed voraciously on foliage. Depending on the species and severity of infestation, they may damage trees, leave droppings, or create messy silk cocoons on surfaces and structures. EcoShield's Pest Solutions are designed to eliminate existing caterpillar activity and help protect your property from future infestations.

WHEN ARE SILKWORMS A CONCERN?

Identifying silk-producing caterpillars can be challenging without professional experience. Although there are hundreds of thousands of moth and butterfly species worldwide, only a small number of these caterpillars frequently invade your properties and landscapes. Despite this, these species can cause significant problems when left untreated. Most infestations fall into a few categories based on what caterpillars eat, where they build their webs, and the damage they cause to trees and plants.

It can be difficult to distinguish one type of silk pest from another. Although the most common silkworm (Bombyx mori) are harmless and used to produce silk, most problems come from eastern tent caterpillars, fall webworms, forest tent caterpillars, or other silk moth larvae on your properly.

Check out some of the characteristics of these beetles to help you correctly identify your pest problem:

EASTERN TENT CATERPILLARS

Eastern tent caterpillars are among the most noticable and common silk-producing pests found on properties. These caterpillars are easily spotted dueto their large, silky tents intrees, especially those growing fruit such as cherries or crabapples. Eastern tent caterpillars emerge in the early spring season and feed on leaves, which can weaken them if left untreated.

2-2.5" in size
Hairy, caterpillar shaped body
Black with a white stripe and blue dots down the back

FALL WEBWORMS

Fall webworms are destrucrtive pests that emerge in the late summer and fall. These silk pests create unsightly webs and feed on over 100 types of trees, causing significant defoliation.

1-1.5" in size
Covered in long hairs
Pale yellow or green with dark spots

FOREST TENT CATERPILLARS

The forest tent caterpillar is a widespread defoliator that creates silk mats on tree trunks and branches, where they rest between feeding periods. These caterpillars travel in groups and often strip entire trees of their foliage; In particular targeting oak, aspen, and various hardwood species during population outbreaks.

2-2.5" in size
Cylindircal, soft bodies
Blue-gray with white spots down the back

Prevention is usually much easier and more manageable than attempting to treat an infestation. If you’ve experienced ant problems in the past or are concerned that your home may be at risk, contact EcoShield for an inspection and front-line treatment plan. Protecting yourself prior to beetles becoming a problem is the single best way to avoid them altogether. Our year-round Shield Protection Plan can also prevent and control beetles before they become a problem.

SEE SILKWORMS? TAKE THESE STEPS

If you see silky webs or tents in your trees, it’s safe to say that there are caterpillars actively feeding on your foliage and spreading to other plants on your property. Your silkworm problem will not go away on its own without professional assistance, and some at-home pest control methods are ineffective.

Want to get rid of your silkworms for good? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Call EcoShield Pest Solutions today for a free estimate.
Step 2: Avoid trying to treat your silkworm problem before our team of experts can properly identify the type of beetle invading your property.
Step 3: Schedule a time that works best for you. The pest control technicians at EcoShield always strive to accommodate your schedule.
Step 4: Watch your pest control problem disappear and eliminate your stress and worry.

At EcoShield, we help you through every step of the pest control treatment process. Whether you have general questions about silkworms in your home or you need to get rid of a damaging infestation, our experts are trained to answer any questions and provide the best solution for you.