Tree Pests

Tree frogs are a large family of frogs that can be found in tropical forests, near ponds, in backyards, and even in pet terrariums. Because tree frogs are such a large and diverse group of amphibians, there is a lot of variability in their lifespans and habitats. 

On average, tree frogs live between 3-6 years. Small-sized tree frogs tend to have shorter lifespans, with some only living for a few months long enough to ensure the survival of a new generation. Larger species are popular beginner pets and have lived up to 21 years in captivity with proper care.

Read on to find out more about how long tree frogs live and where you can find them in the wild. You’ll learn more about what tree frogs are, how they fit into the ecosystem and their role with people!

How Long Can Tree Frogs Live?

Okay, on to our initial question! From finding food and water, to escaping predators and staying healthy in a stable habitat, tree frogs live a life wrought with uncertainty. Assuming tree frogs survive, how long can they live?

Tree Frog’s Lifespan Varies Between Species 

Since there are so many different kinds of tree frogs, it is no surprise that there is a lot of variability in their lifespans. There is still a lot we don’t know about their lives, but here’s what we do know.

Many species of tree frogs are long-lived. White’s Tree Frog and the Australian Tree Frog live to be 15 years old in captivity, with one White’s Tree Frog living to be 21 years old! The iconic Red-Eyed Tree Frog also has a long life span, living up to 20 years in captivity, but rarely survives past 5 years in the wild.

In the wild, their natural lifespan is much shorter. Even long-lived tree frogs usually only survive 3-6 years in the wild. White’s Tree Frog lives for about 7 years in the wild, while the Cuban Tree Frog can live up to 10 years in the wild. 

Bigger Tree Frogs Usually Live Longer

Smaller tree frogs tend to have shorter lifespans, while larger frogs live longer. There are a few reasons this is thought to be true.

• Larger tree frogs can maintain a stable body temperature easier.
• Larger tree frogs are more resistant to starvation and eat less frequently.

We already looked at some of the larger tree frogs, like White’s Tree Frog which measures 11.5 inches fully grown. So let’s take a look at the smaller species of tree frogs.

Chorus frogs are about the size of a grape. Their chorus can be heard over half a mile on way on warm nights throughout most of the United States. They usually only live for about a year in the wild, but can live up to 5 years in the wild, and 10 years in captivity.

Spring Peepers are small tree frogs, about the length of a paperclip. Their calls are commonly heard in the United States, and they are known to sound like young chickens. They live for a maximum of 4 years. 

Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs are part of the tree frog family. They are about 1.5 inches long when mature, about the size of a walnut. Most individuals only live about 4 months, with an average of about a year. In captivity, they can live up to 7 years old.

Tree Frogs In Colder Climates Usually Live Longer

Unfortunately, the bright-colored tree frogs of the tropics, where it’s warm all year, just don’t live as long as their cousins in colder places of the world. This phenomenon seems to be due to cold temperatures slowing metabolic rate and growth. Tropical tree frogs burn out faster.

Tree frogs that live in colder climates also have a special adaption to handle freezing weather. They go into a state of inactivity almost like hibernation, but in the case of tree frogs, as well as other amphibians and reptiles, it is called brumation. This reduces their metabolic rate and allows them to go dormant during cold months. 

During brumation they will be unable to escape predators, so tree frogs need a place to hide. Most tree frogs bury themselves into the soil or leaf litter, while others find crevices in trees and logs. Some tree frogs, like Spring Peepers, are known for being able to survive being frozen!

How Are Tree Frog Lifespans Measured?

Not all 800 species of tree frogs have been studied. The tree frogs that we do have lifespan data on come from tagging or the pet trade. 

Tagging is a way scientists can identify different individuals. Tagging can include making small incisions on their toes, with each individual having a unique pattern. However, as toes are limited, this limits the number of individuals that can be tagged. Tagging can also include small tags that are clipped to the back of the jaws, similar to how fish are tagged. 

Tree frogs that are tagged in the wild can be recaught multiple times, giving scientists an estimate of their average lifespan. This method requires scientists to be able to refind individuals, which can be very difficult in the wild.

The other way we learn about their lifespans is from pet owners. Tree frogs are popular as beginner pets and for frog enthusiasts.  As pets, they have full access to food and water, free from predators, disease, and other environmental hardships.

Data from pet owners give scientists an idea of their maximum lifespan but doesn’t say much for their normal lifespan in their natural state.

8 Interesting Facts About Tree Frogs

The name “tree frog” is a bit misleading, as they don’t all live in trees, some making their homes near water or moist ground cover instead! To further complicate matters, not all species of frogs that live in trees are called tree frogs.

The spring chorus of tree frogs is a welcome sign of warmer weather after a long winter. Tree frogs are admired all over the world, even winning the spot for the 2021 mascot of Cadbury. Easter Tree Frog has a nice ring to it, right?

They might not all live in trees, but there is one characteristic that all members in this group share and it’s on their feet. In addition to toe pads to help them climb trees, the terminal phalanx (which is just the scientific name for the last bone in their toes) is shaped like a claw.

Tree Frogs Are Not Toads

Both toads and frogs are amphibians. “Frog” is a catch-all term that also applies to toads. However, toads are a very different family within the frogs, so frogs are not toads. 

There are a few differences between the two to help tell them apart.

While frogs have long hindlegs capable of propelling them long distances, toads have shorter legs that are better equipped for walking and short-distance hopping. When approached, frogs are quick to hop away. On the other hand, toads tend to sit still, hoping they won’t be noticed.

You can also tell frogs and toads apart by their different eyes. Toads usually have big eyes that stick out. Frog eyes appear smaller and bulge out less. But this characteristic can be pretty tricky unless you have experience comparing frog eyes.

The best characteristic to tell them apart is their skin. Frogs have smooth, even slimy skin since they spend most of their time near water. Toads have warty, dry skin since they spend more time away from water sources.

Tree Frogs Are Small 

While other families of frogs have members that can grow to be over a foot long, tree frogs are all small in size. They range from less than an inch (2.5 cm) to 5.5 inches (14 cm). That’s about from the size of a grape to the size of a Bic pen. 

Their small size is helpful. Tree frogs that do live in trees are usually on the smaller side as it helps them to hold onto small branches and leaves without breaking them and falling to the ground where predators could find them.  

Tree Frogs Come In Many Colors

In the United States, there are about 30 different kinds of tree frogs. They can be green, gray, or brown. Some can even color change, such as the squirrel tree frog (Hyla squirella), which quickly changes from green to brown in response to its environment or activities!

Frogs love humidity, so in the tropical forests of Central and South America, more than 300 species of tree frogs can be found. Many tropical tree frogs are like colorful jewels. Some species have bright colors, showing swatches of blues, reds, oranges, and pinks. 

Tree Frogs Eat Insects 

Tree frogs are all insectivores, meaning they eat insects. They are also opportunistic sit-and-wait predators. Active hunting requires a lot of energy and puts them at risk of running into a predator. Therefore, most tree frogs and frogs, in general, tend not to go out looking for food, unless extreme hunger compels them. 

Instead, tree frogs are passive hunters that wait for the meal to come to them. Their long, sticky tongues are folded up at rest. Once prey is spotted they quickly unfurl their tongue with accuracy. If a prey item is just out of reach the tree frog uses its long legs to jump closer to its prey.

Tree frogs feast on small invertebrates that most people consider to be pests such as crickets, flies, ants, and even mosquitos! A tree frog can consume thousands of mosquitoes per year. Thanks, tree frogs!

Another interesting thing about tree frogs, and other frogs, is that they blink every time they swallow their food. This is because frogs do not chew their food and swallow prey whole. They use their eyes to help push their food down.

Tree Frogs Start Out As Tadpoles

While some frogs hatch out of eggs looking like miniature adults, other frogs have a larval life stage. Tadpoles are baby frogs that have not yet undergone a metamorphosis into adults.

Tadpoles have tails and lack legs, so they usually spend this part of their life cycle in water. They are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. 

Younger tadpoles tend to eat small aquatic plants and algae. Older tadpoles become voracious feeders as froglets begin the transition into froghood. They’ll eat anything that fits inside their mouths, including small fish. 

Tree Frogs Are Hard For Predators To Catch

On the other side of the food chain, tree frogs and tadpoles are important sources of food for other animals. Just about any carnivorous mammal, bird, fish, or reptile will make a meal out of tree frogs. That is, assuming they can find and catch these elusive amphibians.

Most tree frogs have excellent camouflage to live under the radar of predators. Their greens, greys, and browns allow them to blend into the trees, leaves, or ground they live on. Even colorful tropical tree frogs have adapted behaviors to help them blend into their surroundings.

The Red-Eyed Tree Frog is a popular and well-known representative of tree frogs. It is named for its vivid red eyes and identified by its green body, bright orange feet, and bright blue and yellow stripes on its sides.

When threatened by a predator the Red-Eyed Tree Frog jumps away, tucks in its legs to hide its bright feet and sides, and closes its eyes. This allows it to blend in more naturally to its environment.

Besides camouflage, tree frogs have a variety of other tricks they can use to escape.

Other tree frogs that are threatened by predators use their bright colors to their advantage. Instead of hiding their colors, they show them off. In doing so, bright-colored tree frogs hope to confuse predators and possibly mimic some of their other brightly colored dart frog cousins, which predators quickly recognize as being toxic and inedible.

One tree frog has an interesting and unique way to escape predators. The Gliding Tree Frog lives in the canopies of trees. Can you guess its superpower? 

If you said the power to glide, you’d be correct! 

This rare tree frog jumps from the treetops and freefalls. By spreading out its legs and webbed toes to create little parachutes, it can glide to the forest floor to escape predators, such as snakes and birds of prey.

Tree Frogs Don’t Drink Water Like Humans Do

Or breathe! Tree frogs have pretty amazing skin, and I don’t mean just a dewy complexion. Frogs can breathe and drink through their skin! This is why tree frogs are found most commonly in humid, tropical locations and right after rainfall. 

Tree Frogs Are At Risk Of Extinction 

All amphibians, including tree frogs, are among the quickest declining animal groups.

The ability to breathe through their skin makes them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, such as air quality. This also makes them important indicator species for healthy environments, as you won’t find them in polluted areas. Healthy populations of tree frogs indicate a healthy local ecosystem.

A fast-spreading fungus that attacks tree frogs has also been worrying scientists because once individuals become infected, it is always lethal. Tree frogs also face risks from deforestation and habitat loss.

Do Tree Frogs Make Good Pets?

Yes! Tree frogs are a great beginner pet for a few reasons.

• Low Maintenance – Unlike dogs and cats that need frequent attention and care throughout the day, tree frogs are pretty sedentary and require very little energy to care for.
  
• Terrariums Can Be Beautiful – Terrariums are filled with small branches, vibrant leaves, and soft mosses. For tree frogs, terrariums are usually taller than they are longer. Designing your terrarium to mimic tree frogs’ natural habitats is an art. And the results can be as beautiful as the tree frog. There are many options available like this Reptile Glass Terrarium.
  
• Tree Frogs Are Docile – Though tree frogs do have small teeth, they have friendly reputations. Bites from tree frogs are rare and do little damage. 

Can Tree Frogs Be Handled?

Some tree frogs can be safely handled when caution is used. White’s Tree Frog makes a popular pet because it tends to be pretty tame and doesn’t jump around as much as other frogs. 

However, tree frogs don’t make good cuddle buddies. Owners should wash their hands before and after handling them, as frogs can cause salmonella poisoning.

Where Are Tree Frogs Usually Found?

Tree frogs are found in every corner of the planet. One species has even adapted the ability to survive the harsh deserts of Australia! So, let’s get outside and see if we can find some tree frogs.

As a quick disclaimer, we don’t recommend handling wild tree frogs. Instead, you should contact a professional if you happen to come across one.

Tree Frogs Are Often Found Near Water

Tree frogs need still, freshwater to survive and lay eggs, and their small size prevents them from traveling far from water. Look around ponds, marshes, wetlands, and even temporary puddles near trees after heavy rainfall.

Tree Frogs Have A Unique Call

Tree frogs don’t ribbit. Each species of tree frog makes its unique call to make sure they’re attracting the correct mates. They are loudest during the breeding season, which is usually in spring, but can be all year round in the tropics.

Listen for a chorus of peeps, clicks, chirps, and croaks. Listen closely and walk closer to see if you can find the source of the sound.

Tree Frogs Often Live On Or Near Trees

Some tree frogs may stop calling when you approach, so that’s when you’ll need to use your eyes. 

Remember that tree frogs can be quite small, under one inch, and if you’re in the United States, they can be very cryptic. Look closely at small bumps on trees and leaves. Bases of trees and underleaf litter can also be sources of tree frogs.

Check out this article 9 Different Animals and Insects That Live In Trees to learn more about other animals that call trees home!

Tree Frogs Can Be Found Most Often At Night Or Early In the Morning

Tree frogs tend to be less active in the heat of the day. You’ll start to hear their calls around sunset, which can continue into the morning. Don’t forget the flashlight!

Let’s Recap!

That’s all folks! Let’s review to see what we’ve learned about tree frogs.

Tree frogs are small insect-eating frogs that are popular beginner pets. Tree frogs breathe and drink through their skin, which comes in a variety of colors, from greens and grays to bright blues and pinks. Unfortunately, their numbers are rapidly declining. 

Tree frogs are a huge group of many different species that can live from a few months to two decades, depending on different factors such as size, climate, and whether they live in the wild or as pets.

White’s Gray Tree Frog lives the longest, up to 21 years in captivity or 7 years in the wild, while Blanchard’s Cricket Frog has the shortest life span, living from a few months in the wild or 7 years in captivity.

Tree frogs are found all over the world, near clean, still freshwater, and often, but not always, found on trees. With tree frogs being so widespread, you can likely find tree frogs locally by listening closely and looking for small bumps on and around trees.

Now, go forth, and check your local park (or pet store, if you’re looking for a new family member!) and find some tree frogs!

References

Gaston, K. J., Chown, S. L., & Evans, K. L. (2008). Ecogeographical rules: elements of a synthesis. Journal of Biogeography, 35(3), 483-500.

Stark, G., & Meiri, S. (2018). Cold and dark captivity: drivers of amphibian longevity. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 27(11), 1384-1397.

Hilje, B., Chaves, G., Klank, J., Timmerman, F., Feltham, J., Gillingwater, S., … & Rojas, E. (2020). Amphibians and Reptiles of the Tirimbina Biological Reserve: a baseline for conservation, research and environmental education in a lowland tropical wet forest in Costa Rica. Check List, 16, 1633.

National Wildlife Federation, & Roger Tory Peterson Institute. (2003). A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Have you ever noticed those big ugly webs in tree forks or at the end of tree branches? These untimely natural Halloween decorations appear in spring and tent worms, often referred to as silkworms, are the cause. If these nuisance caterpillars affect your trees, you will be happy to know there are ways to get rid of them for good!

Silkworm is the term given to tent worms, which are actually caterpillars. You can remove these pesky caterpillars from your trees with several methods. You can handpick the caterpillars off with gloves if the numbers are small, destroy the egg mass, remove the tent, or prune the affected branches.

Below we will go over all the ways you can get rid of silkworms (tent worms) and keep them away for good. We will also talk about some background on tent caterpillars, so you know exactly what you are dealing with. Let’s get to it!

Are Silkworms And Tent Worms The Same Thing?

You have probably heard these web-making worms referred to as either tent worms or silkworms, or maybe both! 

However, silkworms and tent worms are two very different insects. And just to add to the confusion, neither of them are worms either. They are both caterpillars, which eventually cocoon and then turn into moths.

Both silkworms and tent worms belong to the same order, Lepidoptera, but their similarities end there in the eyes of geneticists. 

So how are these two creepy crawlers different from each other?

Silkworm Vs. Tent Worm Silk Use

Both caterpillars can produce silk, but they use it in different ways. The caterpillar releases silk from its head through a specialized organ known as a spinneret.

Silkworms use their silk to build a cocoon that protects them as they morph from caterpillar to moth. The domesticated silkworm is an incredibly important insect in the textile industry, as they are the major producers of silk for fabrics.

Tent worms use their silk to build webby tents that serve as their protective homes while in the caterpillar stage. Tent worms also spin their cocoons with silk before morphing into their adult moth stage.

Silkworm Vs. Tent Worm Harm To Trees

One of the biggest differences between silkworms and tent worms is their status with humans. One is a pest, the other is so important it has been domesticated and farmed, just like cattle or sheep.

We consider tent worms pests because of the unsightly webs they build in trees. The caterpillars also chow down on leaves while fattening up for their cocoon stage, causing defoliation. When gathered in large numbers, tent worms can cause some serious damage to trees, albeit typically not fatal to the tree.

Silkworms are our friends! There are both wild and domesticated silkworms. Domesticated silkworms are an enormous source of silk in the textile industry. Wild silkworms are sometimes used to produce silk, but not as much as the domestic silkworm.

Even if they did not produce silk and help the textile industry, these moths only eat white mulberry leaves (they don’t eat oak tree leaves), so they do minimal damage to the environment.

Silkworm Vs. Tent Worm Physical Appearance

Silkworms and tent worms differ in both color and size. 

The domesticated silkworm has been genetically modified to be larger than their wild cousins. They rapidly reach 3 inches in length while feeding constantly in the caterpillar stage. They are mostly white or cream-colored.

Tent worms are slightly smaller, reaching anywhere from 2 to 2½  inches in length, according to the University of Kentucky. They are black with a distinct white stripe down their back. Along their sides are brown and yellow racing stripes dotted with blue spots.

Silkworm Vs. Tent Worm Native Range

The domesticated silkworm is no longer found in the wild, but their cousins, the wild silkworm, can still be found outdoors.

Wild silkworms are found in India, China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. There are silk moths found in North America, but these are not from the same family as the domestic silk moth.

There are over 20 species of tent worms, but only 6 are native to North America. Among the six species, they cover most of the United States, with each caterpillar occupying a slightly different range.

Why Should You Get Rid Of Tent Worms?

Now that we have established silkworms = good and tent worms = bad, let’s go over why you want to get rid of tent worms.

In the long run, tent worms will most likely not kill your trees. They might defoliate your tree, even causing it to go bald in the middle of summer. But your tree will recover and put out a fresh crop of leaves before the year is over.

That does not mean tent worms are doing your trees any good, though…

Tent Worms Cause Defoliation

There is nothing better than coming home from a long day’s work, sitting on your porch, and enjoying your yard. The trees, the flowers, the little critters running around.

So, when you look out on your oasis and see your trees are bald in the middle of summer, it can be soul-crushing.

Tent worms are voracious eaters. And they are not picky, either! Because tent worms live across the whole U.S., they eat whatever is local to the area, according to a 2017 study.

In the west, this means quaking aspen, willows, and birch trees. Eastern tent worms like maples, oaks, and elms. In the south, tent worms will target gum trees, live oaks, and water tupelo.

Defoliation is worse in the spring. The eggs of tent worms will hatch around March, and they will feed and feed and feed for about 6 weeks until they are full-grown, hairy caterpillars.

Even though your tree will recover from defoliation, if the tent caterpillar population is too big and they eat too many leaves, it can stunt the growth of your trees.

Tent Worm Webs Take Over Trees

Tent worms eat the heck out of leaves, but your tree will recover and sprout new leaves either later that year or the following spring.

However, something that your trees cannot get rid of on their own is the tent webs these caterpillars get their name from. These tents pop up in the spring after the caterpillars hatch from their eggs.

The tents may start small, but tent worms are social caterpillars if you can believe it! They will invite in friends and family, long-distant cousins and aunts until there are hundreds of caterpillars in a single tent.

As the caterpillars grow, so does their tent. Trees have no way of getting rid of these tents naturally, and the strength of the silk means the webs can stay in the tree long after the caterpillars have moved out.

While these webs do not do any actual damage to the tree, they can be unsightly to see and will give your backyard oasis a sinister look.

How To Get Rid of Tent Worms For Good

Tent worms are more of a nuisance than a danger to your trees, but we still do not want them building unsightly webs in our trees, right?!

Let’s go over some ways you can get rid of these web-building caterpillars for good, and keep them away.

If you’re finding that you have another type of caterpillar on your tree, read our guide on removing caterpillars from your tree here.

Pick Tent Worms Off Trees

The first option on our list is not for everyone, and it is definitely situational. This option is best used in situations where the caterpillars have already hatched, eaten their fill, and are wandering around looking for a place to cocoon.

During this time, tent caterpillars will leave their tents and go searching for a place to cocoon. If webbing or defoliation did not affect your tree, it may still be in danger from these wandering caterpillars.

They will cocoon on your tree, grow into a moth, and lay eggs on the same tree for the next generation of caterpillars to hatch the following spring.

If you notice them on your tree, you can put on some gloves and pick them off individually before they decide to make your tree their home.

Prune Affected Branches To Remove Tent Worm Eggs

You can use pruning at both the egg stage and the tent stage. The easiest way to use pruning is during the egg stage. 

So, bust out your trusted pruning shears, or buy some like the Gonicc 8” Pruning Shears, made of high carbon steel, so they will cut right through small branches.

Winter is the best time to look for tent worm eggs, as all the leaves of their favorite deciduous trees will be off, giving you a clear view of the branches and twigs.

Look for twigs that are about as thick as pencils. Egg masses will be black and look a slightly shiny, enveloping part of the twig. Prune these twigs off your trees to keep the eggs from hatching and chowing down on your favorite backyard shade suppliers.

If you did not catch the egg masses in the winter, there is always spring! After these caterpillars hatch, they will almost immediately begin feeding and building their tent. If you see these tents in your trees, you can simply prune those branches off to get rid of the tents.

Physically Remove Tent Worm Webs

If you do not want to cut any branches off your tree, you can use other methods to remove those unsightly web tents.

You can take any sturdy stick-like tool (think broom handle, shovel handle, or a sturdy dropped branch) and poke it into the tent. Swirl the stick around to wrap the tent around the pole/stick. The sticky webbing material should grab onto your stick pretty easily.

This method is a good way to remove the tent quickly without having to put too much work into it. The tent-building stage only lasts for about 6 weeks, so if you take a tent down and do not see any more being built, you are probably safe for the season.

Use A Targeted Tent Worm Insecticide

Regular old insecticides are not recommended for getting rid of tent worms. They can affect non-target species such as natural predators of tent worms. Instead, you will want to use something that is more targeted toward these caterpillars.

Bacillus thuringiensis, also known as BT, is an insecticide that works specifically on caterpillars. Monterey BT Worm & Caterpillar Insecticide is a concentrated product you mix with water before using.

When used as directed, BT does not affect birds, bees, ladybugs, or other beneficial insects. And despite having the name ‘worm’ in the product name, it does not affect earthworms, either, which are very beneficial for your garden.

Encourage Tent Worm Predators To The Area

Tent caterpillars are pretty low on the food chain. There are plenty of things out there that view them as a tasty meal or snack. You can use this to your advantage to keep their population under control.

The dominant predators of tent worms are parasitic wasps, but it is difficult to attract these tiny parasites. However, birds and lizards also feed on tent worms, and these are much easier to attract.

If you want to encourage birds to come around, try hanging a bird feeder from trees where you see tents. Even better, hang bird feeders out before you notice tents to prevent these caterpillars from moving into your tree.

All of your average birds will eat tent caterpillars – blue jays, cardinals, robins. Pretty much any songbird. You can use a simple bird feeder like Funpeny Hanging Wild Bird Feeder and fill it with multiple types of seed to attract a variety of songbirds.

Change Your Outdoor Lighting To Repel Tent Worms

We have talked about stopping these web-building caterpillars at both the egg stage and the caterpillar stage. Now, let’s move on to the moth stage.

Usually, around June or July is when tent caterpillars will emerge from their chrysalis as adult moths. The moths are brownish to yellowish and have diagonal markings on each wing. All in all, these little moths are about one inch from wingtip to wingtip.

We all know light attracts moths. This universal fact can be used to our advantage by using different colored floodlights that are less attractive to moths.

Bluex Bulbs Amber Yellow LED Bug Light can easily replace your outdoor porch light or floodlight. These bulbs give off an amber-yellow light instead of the normal white light. Yellow and amber light is far less attractive to moths and other nighttime flyers.

This is more of a preventative measure that will help you the following year. The less attractive your yard is to moths, the less likely they are to lay eggs in nearby trees.

What Attracts Tent Caterpillars?

Is there something you can do to stop tent caterpillars from coming to your yard? What exactly is the reason they are here?

Tent caterpillars are most attracted to suitable trees and cocoon weaving areas. Deciduous trees are attractive to tent caterpillars, who munch on the leaves for food and use the branches to build webs.

Besides this obvious attractant, tent caterpillars love fragmented forests. Forests with lots of edges and separation will be the most affected by these web-building caterpillars. So, suburban areas, agricultural areas, or small parks with fragmented trees will be where these caterpillars thrive the most.

A study found fragmented forests are the number one indicator of large outbreaks of tent worms. The reason? Parasitoid wasps and pathogens that affect tent worm populations the most are less present in these areas.

Agriculture, logging, and general deforestation are increasing the outbreaks of tent caterpillars by creating these forest edgings and fragmentations.

The weather seems to have little impact on tent caterpillars. However, a study done in Ontario observed that there was decreased defoliation when overwintering temperatures were super cold (below -40°F).

How Long Do Tent Caterpillars Last?

If you have seen tents popping up here and there, you might wonder how long you have to be on guard and ready with your broomstick?

Luckily, the lifecycle of a tent caterpillar is pretty short. You can expect tents to form around March to April after the eggs hatch. The caterpillars will stick around until they are ready to spin their cocoons, usually at the end of May or the beginning of June.

At this time, they will leave their webs behind and find a spot to spin their cocoon. Once cocooned, it takes around 3 weeks until the adult moth emerges from the chrysalis.

Unfortunately, the webs can remain in the trees long after the caterpillars have moved on to their moth stage. The only way these webs get destroyed naturally is by inclement weather like rain, snow, and wind. 

If you are not willing to wait, you may have to destroy the webs yourself. 

Wrapping Things Up

Now that you are thoroughly wrapped up in a cocoon of tent caterpillar knowledge, you will be able to combat these web-slingers in the springtime!

To recap, the 7 ways to get rid of tent caterpillars indefinitely include:

• Picking off individually (Early Summer)
• Destroy egg masses by pruning affected branches (Winter)
• Destroy web tents by pruning affected branches (Spring)
• Use tool to remove webs (Spring)
• Use BT-based insecticides to target caterpillars specifically
• Encourage predators (put out a bird feeder)
• Use yellow or amber lighting outdoors to discourage tent worm moths

Although we often call silkworms and tent worms the same thing, they are two very different insects. Tent worms are the ones you want to look out for, while silkworms are harmless and only target mulberry leaves.

References

Daniel, C. J., & Myers, J. H. (1995, December). Climate and outbreaks of the forest tent caterpillar. Ecography, 18(4), 353-362. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0587.1995.tb00138.x

Parry, D., Spence, J., & Volney, W. (2003, October 30). Responses of natural enemies to experimentally increased populations of the forest tent caterpillar. Ecological Entomology, 22(1), 97-108. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-2311.1997.00022.x

Roland, J. (1993). Large-scale forest fragmentation increases the duration of tent caterpillar outbreak. Oecologia, 93, 25-30. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00321186

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