Tent Caterpillars this year?

10 years ago

I am concerned there is no doubt. We have not been infested yet but last year they were so close I am sure we will be on their dinner list this summer. What are some tips to keep your fruit trees, especially the new grafted ones, from being damaged?

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davidpeaceriver__2b

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

What type of fruit trees do you have? We had a huge western tent caterpillar migration move through three years ago...and they just left my apples, pears, nanking cherries, and apricot alone.

- I didn't and don't use insecticides. I wanted to encourage as many predators as possible to visit my yard, and thought that killing beneficial insects would be counter-productive.

-Try mechanical removal if you only have a few trees.

-soapy water works wonders if you only have a few nests. I tried this when they colonized the wild cherries at the edge of my garden, and they all died.

-use nets or cloches if at all possible.

My trees are usually in flower when the eggs hatch, and leaf out much later than aspens, which seem to be their preferred food source. Caterpillars don't seem to be attracted to flowers as a food source, and I find that they're often beginning to pupate by the time that my fruit trees fully leaf out (usually late May and early June here).

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Comments (8)

Konrad..just outside of Edmonton Alberta
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I never had too many and can hand pick them off, shake etc. if tree is still small, agree with David... allow nature to do its job first.
User thanked Konrad..just outside of Edmonton Alberta
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User
Original Author
10 years ago
dave I am glad to hear they left the fruit trees alone. These are my only concern as they are still young whips.

Konrad the infestation for the last two years was so bad that my neighbour pulled his lawn sweep behind a mower every day , collecting them, and then dumping them in holes to try and stem the tide. And his sweep was full. I tried drowning a few clumps but they can swim very well.

I think both of you are right and I will use the wait and see, and then cover with frost cloth or netting if I find that they develop an appetite for fruit trees. With the millions on the march, I would have to use gallons of spray and still not make a dent. I am unwilling to spray at that level,
knaltmeyer
9 years ago
Hi Ubro, I have been researching for some months now on opening a floral delivery service. My veryy longterm goal is to have a flower farm of my own, but I'm still in the early stages of getting this idea together. Anyway, while researching, it's often I read these feeds between people to get answers to a questions someone before me has already asked. On more than one occasion I've found you assisting someone with their questions and I wanted to introduce myself and say thank you. I would love to start a correspondence together if you were interested. Either way thanks again and looking forward to seeing what other helpful advice you've given people on here. Have a great day!
User thanked knaltmeyer
knaltmeyer
9 years ago
I apologize for writing on this thread. I wasn't sure how else to reach you.
User thanked knaltmeyer
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
9 years ago
"I tried drowning a few clumps but they can swim very well."

If you add a few drops of soap to the water, they drown fairly quickly.
User thanked NHBabs z4b-5a NH
User
Original Author
8 years ago
knaltmeyer, hello, I have been extremely busy on the farm and have only recently noticed that you have asked me a question. I can click on your profile and follow you, that way you will have the ability to message me personally. It is great to hear from someone who also is interested in a flower farm. I have kept records of all the flowers I have tried, growing from seed to finish. I will help in anyway I can.
User
Original Author
8 years ago
I know this thread is old but they left the fruit trees untouched, just a few to pick off each day but the poplars took a hit. I kept them at bay with a pump action water gun. I got a large one with a long distance range, filled it with vinegar/ salt/soap and went out each morning spraying the clumps of worms. They travel down the tree at night to clump on the trunk or stem crotches, then they move up into the canopy when it warms. The time to get them is before they move.

I understand salt and vinegar are not great for trees, but the amount I used on only the large poplars around the house did not affect them at all. I don't think I would use it on any fruit trees, or special ornamentals.

Upside- I now have a deadly aim with a water gun, watch out kids, grandma can hold her own now.!!!!!