Webworms!

No, this post isn't about my recent laptop crash!  The crash ended up being a root kit worm, a very nasty little bugger.  We were able to remove the worm, loss of files was minimum and all is good in my computer world again. 

This post is about the strange cocoon like webbing found on my Sweetgum tree.  As I was curled up on the sofa yesterday with a summer cold, I kept noticing what looked like a thick spiderweb on one of the trees in my backyard. It drove me crazy until I had to go out and investigate. 

After doing some research, I think my tree has webworms.  From what I have read, if we don't get rid of them, they may take over the entire tree along with the surrounding trees. They may not be the prettiest things to look at, but according to Wikipedia, they pose no harm to healthy, mature trees.  The webs give me the heebie jeebies, but enough to destroy the tiny little catepillars that create them? Most Likely, YES!

The worms are the larvae stage of a medium sized moth. They create the webs to protect themselves from predators and then feed on the leaves of the branch. I found one site that suggest cutting the branch off and burning it to prevent the worms from spreading.  I found another site that suggest calling in the professionals to spray insecticides after opening up each web. 

Now, if my home were on the market and I didn't want to scare off any potential buyers, I would most definitely call in the professionals to take care of this problem ASAP, taking no chances.  I don't see how these pests can improve the curb appeal of a home in any way!  In my case, I will probably trim off the infested branch, destroy it, and hope for the best.  If the little guys return to munch on the leaves of another branch, I may call in my friends over at All American Pest Control and see if they can help me out.