Several areas have been recently infested so we expect heavy numbers again this season. First generation is not the heaviest but scouting should begin for this pest. Larvae are very hairy caterpillers that do not leave the tent to feed. Look for them on mimosa and honey, locust trees. They weave leaflets together to feed on the underside of the leaves.
Adults are grayish moths.
Damage from 2nd generation caterpillars involves more foliage weaving and larger webs. Like many caterpillars, fully grown mimosa webworms will leave hosts and wander before pupation. Both these tenting caterpillars are attacked by a host of natural enemies, particularly parasitic wasps. Use Bt, Bacillus thuringiensis var. This tactic will allow the natural enemies to catch up and help control subsequent generations.