Worms on Live Oak Trees in Florida
The live oak tree (Quercus virginiana) grows throughout the Southern United States. Native to Florida, its stately beauty has figured in many movies and novels. However, it is prone to attack by various pests. Although rarely lethal to a tree, green worms feast on newly emerging leaves, causing the tree to weaken and sicken if not treated. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types of Green Worms
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"Green worms" is a general term identifying worms that feast on hardwood trees. Along with the linden looper, two types of cankerworm, the spring and the fall cankerworm, may be so classified. The linden looper is yellow on its lower half, with dark brown lines running across the insect's top. Cankerworms feature more green coloration. These worms may reach a length of 1-1/2 inches in the larval stage.
Green Worm Damage
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These worms hatch from eggs and begin feeding on their host leaf. Beginning with small holes, the feeding eventually encompasses the entire leaf. These voracious insects produce strands of web silk and, with the help of breezes, waft easily to other leaves. As the population of worms expands, so will the number of damaged leaves. Eventually, large areas of the tree are defoliated. Along with appearing unsightly, the damage stresses the tree, as it strives to recover from the onslaught.
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Assessing Infestation
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While a serious worm infestation damages even the healthiest trees, these attacks are part of nature's lifecycle. Eventually, the worms complete their mission and then disappear, which allows the host tree to recover. Strong, healthy trees have no trouble refreshing their leafy canopy. If the infestation does get out of hand, preventative treatments and chemical application may be needed, since eggs may easily live over winter.
Prevention and Treatment
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An adhesive encircling trunks traps egg-laying female worms. This attracts male worms that may also become trapped in the adhesive. If worm eggs appear on tree trunks in spring, an application of a 2 to 3 percent dormant horticultural oil spray destroys them. Treatments of a biological control, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, destroy hatched worms less than an inch in length.
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References
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