How to Get Rid of Webworms

Webworms invade trees in the fall and build large brown, webby nests in the branches of trees. The webworm is the larvae form of a tiger moth and although they usually don't harm trees, they are unsightly. There are several methods of removing webworms. Pick the method that suits your needs and you will no longer have these unsightly brown nests in your trees.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Cut off branches infested with webworms and throw the branches in the trash. For trees that are not tall or overly infested, this a good method of removing the nests.

2. Spray the nests with a natural or environmentally safe control agent like Bacillus thuringiensis. These bacteria kill certain caterpillars without harming people, other insects or the environment. Open the nest with a stick and saturate the nest with the spray. Also, spray the area and leaves around the nest.

3. Spray with a chemical agent like Drusban or Diazanon. Open the nest and spray until thoroughly damp.

4. Open the nests with a stick and let birds clean up the problem for you. Birds will eat the webworms once you open the nests.

Tips & Warnings

• Burning webworm nests is a popular control method with some home gardeners but dangerous if you start a fire. Burning can also cause damage to the tree.
• Using a chemical agent like Dursban and Diazinon is the least recommended method for eliminating webworms. Insecticides can kill beneficial insects, harm the environment and are potentially poisonous to animals and people.

Resources

• Webworm information
• More information on getting rid of webworms