Fall Webworm vs Tent Caterpillar: Know the Difference

Fall webworms and tent caterpillars are both common pests that can defoliate trees and shrubs. Fall webworms, also known as eastern tent caterpillars, are one of the most common pests in the United States. Tent caterpillars, or western tent caterpillars, can also cause significant damage, but are more commonly found in the western United States and Canada.

Fall Webworm

Benefits: Fall webworms provide food for birds and other wildlife. They also help to decompose leaves and other organic matter.

How to Do: Fall webworms can be controlled by removing the webs from trees and shrubs, or by spraying the webs with insecticide.

Feature	Fall Webworm
Size	1-1.5 inches long
Color	Yellow-green with black lines
Webbing	Spun over leaves to protect larvae
Damage	Defoliation of trees and shrubs

Tent Caterpillar

Benefits: Tent caterpillars provide food for birds and other wildlife. They also help to decompose leaves and other organic matter.

How to Do: Tent caterpillars can be controlled by removing the tents from trees and shrubs, or by spraying the tents with insecticide.

Feature	Tent Caterpillar
Size	1-2 inches long
Color	Brown or black with white lines
Webbing	Spun over branches to form a tent
Damage	Defoliation of trees and shrubs

Identifying Fall Webworms

Fall webworms are small, yellow-green caterpillars with black lines down their sides. They are about 1-1.5 inches long. Fall webworms spin a web over the leaves of trees and shrubs to protect themselves from predators.

Identifying Tent Caterpillars

Tent caterpillars are larger than fall webworms, and they are brown or black with white lines down their sides. They are about 1-2 inches long. Tent caterpillars spin a tent over the branches of trees and shrubs to protect themselves from predators.

Controlling Fall Webworms and Tent Caterpillars

Fall webworms and tent caterpillars can be controlled by removing the webs or tents from trees and shrubs, or by spraying the webs or tents with insecticide. There are also a number of natural predators that can help to control these pests, such as birds, wasps, and spiders.

FAQs About Fall Webworms and Tent Caterpillars

Q: What is the difference between a fall webworm and a tent caterpillar?

A: Fall webworms are smaller than tent caterpillars and they spin a web over the leaves of trees and shrubs to protect themselves from predators, while tent caterpillars spin a tent over the branches of trees and shrubs to protect themselves from predators.

Q: How can I control fall webworms and tent caterpillars?

A: Fall webworms and tent caterpillars can be controlled by removing the webs or tents from trees and shrubs, or by spraying the webs or tents with insecticide. There are also a number of natural predators that can help to control these pests, such as birds, wasps, and spiders.

Fall Webworm vs Tent Caterpillar: Know the Difference