Webbing characteristic of the eastern tent caterpillar, Malacosoma americanum, in the branch crotch of a black cherry tree. Yearly control is usually not necessary since the weather, disease, parasites, and predators keep tent caterpillar populations from getting out of control. However, when outbreaks do occur, physical removal of the tents as they appear minimizes defoliation. For difficult to reach areas, insecticides are approved for use on the eastern tent caterpillar. Proper care and maintenance of the tree to promote vigor and growth will increase recovery from defoliation.
Proper care includes adequate watering, fertilizing, and pruning practices.
The redheaded pine sawfly defoliates young loblolly, slash, shortleaf, and longleaf pines throughout Alabama. Populations of these insects are usually low. However, periodic severe outbreaks and the resulting defoliation may lead to tree mortality. Younger seedlings are more susceptible to damage by the redheaded pine sawfly than are older seedlings. You can identify the larval stage of the redheaded pine sawfly by its bright red head.