Need to identify caterpillar killing my trees!?

Question

We have caterpillars that are making coccons out of the leaves of a leeland cypress, it killed this tree. We removed it and burned it. Now these caterpillars and attacking my surrounding plants and especially my crapemyrtle trees. What are they and how do I get rid of them!!

Answer 1

These are just a few suggestions:

1. STICKY TRAPS:

Install sticky tapes or sticky tree wraps at the base of trees to catch the worms on their way up or down the trees. Very effective but you must stay on top of it and remove 'full' sticky traps and replace regularly.

2. MICROBIAL / BIOLOGICAL INSECTICIDES:

Microbial insecticides can be effective. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) is the most common. As BT is naturally occuring in soil and on plants, it is also harmless to people, animals and plants but is not specific to which species of young moth or butterfly larvae it kills.

3. CHEMICAL INSECTICIDES:

Chemical insecticides are contact poisons and if not used wisely, can harm other beneficial insects and animal species, such as honeybees. It's advisable to hire a licensed professional to use such poisons.

4. ENCOURAGE NATURAL ENEMIES:

Encourage natural predators by putting up bird houses, bat houses and investigating beneficial insect/parasite purchases.

Answer 2

Sounds like bagworms and you have to go through a lot to get rid of them. . . Pick off the ones you can get to, and burn them up. . . . and  here is more info :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evergreen_B...

We had them a few years ago and killed them for the time being. . . If it gets to be too much, just call a nursery out to your home and take care of them :)  GL!!!

Answer 3

Not sure what you have, but Thurcide works great for all my worm problems.

Answer 4

Sounds like you have tent or forest caterpillars.

My dad used to use a rag soaked in oil and set it on fire to get rid of them. I wouldn't recommend this. We lived in the country so he could do lthings like that.

There are several sprays you can use.

Go to ehow.com and ask them what they would recommend.