What is the strange tree parasite? (worms building cocoons in tree leaves?) Its killing the trees- help!!!?

Question

I am located in Southern Virginia, Fort Lee to be precise. I have seen these nasty creatures on other trees and their cocoon/home is made from the leaves of the tree there as well. They look wormlike and make me cringe. The tree is almost completely dead and the two trees surrounding it now have the cocoons hanging all over them as well. I am afraid the whole row of trees will be wiped out by these little monsters. Help!!!

Answer 1

Webworms?  I've seen them around S. VA.  They like persimmon trees.

My mother uses this sort-of blowtorch thing.

Answer 2

You might be talking about bagworms.  Here are some sites about them, including how to treat for them.

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

http://www.bugspray.com/article/bagworm....

Answer 3

Do you have a picture?  I was going to say tent worms, but if you've ruled that out then canker worms possibly.  Nasty little creatures!

Answer 4

whatever they are, the important thing is to KILL them, right? call a professional tree company, describe the critters, tell them how many trees and their their species, how tall, etc., and they should be able to give you a quote over the phone, or a free estimate on-site.

the pro's have the equipment to get to the tops of the trees and all the upper branches. those sound like tent worms, but even if they're not, they are VORACIOUS and will just keep killing trees until the frost arrives in a few months. meanwhile, the trees will DIE.

Answer 5

whatever they are you may have to spray insecticide to save the trees