The fall webworm leaves a distinctive and unmistakable mark on our trees. The construct unsightly webbed sacks around twigs and branches, enclosing leaves as they do. To someone who may not know it's the fall web worm, the webbing may be thought to be a spiders doing. The larvae remains within the silk casing (which occurs through late summer into autumn) while they feed on leaves of the tree, working to enclose more twigs if the food source in the webbing runs out. Although the webbing looks damaging, most trees recover without incident and refoliate If fall webworms have the opportunity to feed on a particular tree year after year, then the tree may suffer long-term damage or even death.

Trees and shrubs Attacked: Over 90 species of trees are attacked by the fall web worm, though some of the favorites include: American elm, fruit trees, hickory, maples, pecan and walnut.
Damage to look for : Webbing around branches which encloses leaves and worms Defoliation from the larvae's feeding