Tree Invader Identification & Prevention

Tree Invaders in Del Rio, TX

As you can assume from the name, tree invaders are pests that affect trees. By reading the guide below, you can learn about two different tree invaders common in the Del Rio, Texas area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Invaders

What are tree invaders?

Two types of tree invaders are walnut caterpillars and webworms. 

A walnut caterpillar's size varies depending on its stage of life:

• Newly hatched - about 1/2 an inch long and light yellow-green
• As they develop - about 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long and dark red with four white lines on either side of the body
• Full-grown - about 3 inches long and dark black with white or gray hairs 

Webworms are an inch long and are pale yellow and striped. 

These pests are often confused for one another, but walnut caterpillars don't make webs like webworms do.

Are tree invaders dangerous?

Neither walnut caterpillars nor webworms are dangerous to people because they don't sting or pose other health concerns. However, they are both defoliators, which means they strip trees of leaves. 

Walnut caterpillars can cause a lot of damage to trees, even killing them. These pests regularly affect pecan trees and feed for about four to six weeks in groups of about 10 to 30 individuals until they are ready to enter the next life stage.

In contrast, webworms don't cause lasting damage to healthy trees, but they do feed in groups for about six weeks, so you will see the damage they cause depending on how severe the infestation is.

Although it may not seem like these small pests can do discernible damage to trees, they often feed in large numbers, which can do noticeable harm as they eat.

Why do I have a tree invader problem?

The obvious attractive factor for these pests is trees. But more specifically, walnut caterpillars are attracted to black and English walnut trees, pecan trees, butternut trees, and different hickory tree species, and webworms are also attracted to nut and fruit trees.

Where will I find tree invaders?

You likely won't have a tree invader problem in your home, but outside, you might notice damaged trees. These pests may be an issue on your property, especially on fruit and nut trees. 

If you notice damage to such trees, you can work with pest experts to correctly identify the pests causing the problems. 

How do I get rid of tree invaders?

If you have tree invaders on your property, look to our experts at Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio for assistance. 

For walnut caterpillars, we offer one-time treatments as needed. And for webworms, we treat trees with a product that eliminates these pests on contact. 

We also offer a variety of lawn services to help you keep your entire property looking picture perfect. 

Call us at Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio for more information about how we can assist with tree invaders in your home or business and other pest problems on your property. 

How can I prevent tree invaders in the future?

To prevent these tree invaders on your property, you can use these tips:

• Allow natural predators in your yard, such as birds, wasps, and stink bugs.
• If you notice infested trees, you can try to prune them, bagging and throwing the branches away to try and keep them from spreading further.
• You can also use different products for tree invader prevention, but it is best to talk with professionals before doing so.

Contact our Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio experts to learn more about walnut caterpillars and webworms and how to keep these tree invaders under control in Del Rio, Texas.

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