From Dr. Steven Bamabara
Be alert for tent caterpillars. Put down the tennis racquet and bring out the golf clubs. A golf club (or a stick) works great for destroying the web masses of tent caterpillars.
Tent caterpillars are in full swing. This cool, wet spring has many plants and insects delayed weeks past where they were, compared to some years. These hairy caterpillars can make a cherry tree look a little ugly, but most trees seem to recover and re-foliate. Unless trees are taller than 15 feet or you have dozens to deal with, that golf club in the garage that you haven't used since the neighbor's dog got into your garbage can, or a long stick or pole can be used to destroy the web masses quite effectively. Resist the temptation to burn them out! See Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 61 on the web at: Be alert for tent caterpillars. Put down the tennis racquet and bring out the golf clubs. A golf club (or a stick) works great for destroying the web masses of tent caterpillars. Tent caterpillars are in full swing. This cool, wet spring has many plants and insects delayed weeks past where they were, compared to some years. These hairy caterpillars can make a cherry tree look a little ugly, but most trees seem to recover and re-foliate. Unless trees are taller than 15 feet or you have dozens to deal with, that golf club in the garage that you haven't used since the neighbor's dog got into your garbage can, or a long stick or pole can be used to destroy the web masses quite effectively. Resist the temptation to burn them out!
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
