During bright days larvae leave the nest to feed on foliage and return to the nest in the evening. Generally, during rainy weather or on very dark cloudy days, larva remain in the nest . There is one generation per year. Larva feed on foliage in the spring. If populations are high, they may defoliate a tree.
Defoliated trees can become stressed allowing secondary problems to occur.
Newly planted trees can be stressed easily. Remove webs by pruning out on a cloudy day or when darkness falls. And dispose of nest. Inspect trees for egg masses and remove before spring. Naturally occurring parasites help reduce populations of Eastern Tent Caterpillar.