Insecticide For Webworms

Webworms are the larvae of moths belonging to the genus Ostrinia. They feed on corn, soybean, wheat and over 20 other plants, but prefer grasses. The webworm itself is not destructive, but the tunnels it creates can weaken plants. There are several ways to manage webworms. These include removing infested plant material, dusting with diatomaceous earth, spraying with insecticides, or planting a resistant species.

Insecticide For Webworms

While visiting growers in mid-June, I started noticing quite a bit of fall webworm infestation in native pecan groves as well as in backyard pecan and fruit trees. If early populations are any indication, we can expect a lot of defoliation heading into the fall.

The range of trees attacked by this pest is impressive. Worldwide, more than 600 kinds of deciduous trees have been attacked. Favorites in Oklahoma include pecan, hickory, walnut crabapple and persimmon.

THE WEBWORM CYCLE

Entomologists tell us that webworm outbreaks run in cycles. Some years outbreaks are severe, while in other years they are barely noticed. Weather, birds and the predatory insect population contribute to the circular nature of these outbreaks. Heavy, driving rains can flush the worms from the foliage early in the season, reducing the level of damage.

Two generations of fall webworm caterpillars can occur in the Southern Great Plains. The first generation usually appears from June through August. If a second generation is produced, it can extend into October.

This pest overwinters as a pupa in a cocoon concealed in ground litter, cracks and crevices, or in the soil. Following mating, female moths usually deposit their egg masses on the undersurface of the leaves. Larvae hatch in approximately seven days. They immediately begin to spin a small silken web over the foliage on which they feed. In the initial stages, the small, hairy, yellow-brown worms feed only on the leaf’s upper surface; but as the size of the caterpillar increases, the whole leaf is eaten. As they grow, the web grows to enclose more and more foliage.

For the first half of the 4- to 6-week period during which the caterpillars feed, all feeding occurs in the web. As caterpillars near maturity at 1 3/4-inch long, they leave the web at night to feed.

During the final development stage, caterpillars leave the web and crawl to a convenient hiding place, such as a thick patch of bark or the leaf litter at the tree base, where they pupate.

HOW TO CONTROL WEBWORMS

During most years, a fall webworm infestation can be ignored, especially if it is in a large, mature tree in good condition. When small trees are attacked, they can be severely defoliated and can even be completely encased by webs. In most cases, complete defoliation will not kill the trees. However, if small trees are not well established or are experiencing any type of severe stress, defoliation can result in death, especially if it happens twice in one season. On pecan trees, nut production and quality can be reduced if severe infestations are not controlled.

Removal of webworms in small yard trees can be accomplished using a rake or a long pole equipped with a hook to pull down the webs. If within reach, a web located at the tip of a branch can easily be pruned out and destroyed. Do not attempt to burn the webs out as you may cause additional damage to the tree and possible personal injury.

Insecticide applications are most effective when the caterpillars first hatch and the webbing is still small. Because the webbing is not very noticeable early in the life cycle, you must be intentional in your scouting efforts during this time.

Several classes of insecticides are labeled for control of fall webworms. However, many of these spray materials, including pyrethroids, are harmful to predatory insects that aid in webworm control.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays are a safer alternative and ideal for use in home situations. Bt is most effective when applied to small caterpillars. Unless the webbing is widespread, it is not necessary to treat the entire canopy. When treating isolated webs, spray the leaves next to webs. As these leaves are incorporated into the webs and eaten, the Bt will be ingested. The molting disrupter class of insecticides, including the brand name products Confirm and Intrepid, are recommended for control of fall webworms in commercial pecan plantings for the same reason; they target caterpillars and will not harm beneficials. Orchards sprayed to control pecan nut casebearer using molting disrupters in May to early-June seldom experience significant fall webworm infestation.

Fall webworm populations vary from year to year. Several strategies and techniques are available to control this pest. Early detection is important when controlling heavy infestations of webworms.

Insecticide For Webworms

Webworms are a common pest that can be found in many homes and buildings. These pests can be very destructive, causing damage to the home and possibly even killing trees and plants. Webworms are typically a problem in the spring when they emerge from their cocoons, but they can also be found throughout the summer. Webworms are typically found on the outside of your home or building because this is where they spin their webs.

Webworms are typically gray or brown in color, but they can also be black or red. They have six legs, three pairs of prolegs (which look like little feet), and two antennae that stick out from their heads. These insects also have a long proboscis (the tube-like mouth) that they use to feed with.

The most effective way to control webworms is by using insecticides that are specifically designed for these pests. The best thing about these products is that they will not harm humans or pets, so it is safe for everyone in your household to use them around their home!

List Of Insecticide For Webworms