There is only one generation per year of tent caterpillars so all activity is usually over by May or June. Caterpillars have chewing mouthparts. Adults have siphoning mouths. Eastern tent caterpillars prefer cherry, plum, peach, apple, hawthorn and related plants. If the food plant is defoliated they may move to less preferred hosts.
Caterpillars leave their tents to feed on leaves and can quickly defoliate sections of a tree.
Caterpillars may migrate and wander before they form a cocoon which may bring them into contact with homeowners. Adult moths are attracted to lights and can be abundant but only live for a few days. For additional information, contact your local Texas extension service agent, or search for other state extension service offices.