Public Works and Environmental Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our administrative offices are open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon - Fri
703-324-1770 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Parkway
Suite 518, Fairfax, Va 22035
Brian Keightley
Division Director, Urban Forest Management

Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Eastern Tent Caterpillar
Photo By: David Cappaert, Bugwood.org

Eastern tent caterpillar is not as serious a pest as spongy moth because it is a well-established native with many predators and parasitoids that control them. It feeds exclusively on fruit trees like apple, wild cherry, crabapple and plum in May and June.

Eastern tent caterpillar is not considered as serious a pest as spongy moth because it feeds early enough in the season that the trees have enough energy stored to put out new leaves. They are a protein rich food source for baby birds in the spring.

Eastern tent caterpillar is also native to Fairfax County and has many natural enemies. Once the caterpillars are full grown, they stop feeding and begin to wander around on the ground and buildings looking for a protected place to pupate. Keep in mind that by this time, they will no longer be feeding or causing further damage to trees. Prevention and early control are important. Removal of egg masses during winter greatly reduces the problem next spring. Their egg masses are covered with a shiny, black varnish-like material and encircle branches that are about pencil-size or smaller. In early spring, small tents can be removed and destroyed by hand. Larger tents can be pruned out and destroyed or removed by using a long stick or broom handle.

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