HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1999-09-15, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1999.
Fall Web Worm causes little damage late in season
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen staff
They might not look pretty, but
they really aren't going to hurt any
thing.
The Fall Web Worm has moved
into the area, but while its nests
may seem to be prevalent, they are
not a significant problem, accord
ing to Steve Bowers, stewardship
co-ordinator with OMAFRA.
He explains that of the three most
commonly seen web spinning
caterpillars, the Fall Web Worm is
probably the'least harmful due to
its nesting season. Though it does
attach itself to a variety of forest
species because it arrives near the
end of the growing season its
impact is minimal.
“The leaves will be gone soon
anyway,” said Bowers, “and the
branches will leaf out because the
buds for next year have been
formed for a long time now.”
If it seems that the nests are more
prolific this year, Bowers said that
populations do tend to fluctuate
though he hasn’t noticed any great
increase from previous years.
“Often to control them, people
will chop down the branch, doing
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Continued on page 15
more damage to the tree than the
insect," he said. Though some may
find it distasteful. Bowers prefers
the more hands-on approach. “If
you're concerned and can reach the
nest then pull it down.”
If the tree has ornamental value
Bowers said spraying with an
insecticide might be an option.
However, the spray has to infiltrate
the web to be effective.
Should either method be imprac
tical, don’t be concerned about
leaving the nest where it is. “The
Fall Web Worm doesn't usually get
to any population level where they
are a real problem. Getting rid of
them is more often about esthetics.”
Little to fear
Though the Fall Web Worm’s nest may not look innocent,
it’s late summer appearance is of little concern. MNR
spokespeople suggest the nests be taken down and the
caterpillars trampled rather than cutting the branch or
burning it.
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