Caterpillars which live and feed within large silken webs are called webworms. The large flimsy nests of the fall webworm are a familiar sight along road sides in later summer. The nests grow larger and larger until entire branches are covered. Inside, the fall webworm caterpillars feed and grow in relative safety. Both mimosa and honeylocust are attacked by the mimosa webworm.
Boxwood is attacked by the boxwood webworm,. . .
Juniper by the juniper webworm,. . . Most webworm problems can be easily solved by pruning out the infested branches. Forceful insecticide sprays will also control webworms if they are applied when the nests are small. A few species of caterpillars, known as leaftiers, pull together several leaves and feed inside their private homes. However, oak leafroller and azalea leaftier can be serious problems.