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I first noticed this last year just a couple "nests" and let it go figuring it was a seasonal thing.
Appears not to be. Now I have a dozen of these "nests" built of very strong silk.
Obviously I need to spray or have it done (it is a full grown pecan tree) but I am wondering what it is they have? Really freaks me out because we get great pecans we share with family.
Location: Visitation between Wal-Mart & Home Depot
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Tent worms. Hate 'em.
They can cause serious damage to foliage with a severe infestation. If you spray the tree you may not be able to eat any pecans this year, depending on what agent is used.
If you don't spray, the tree will probably be fine but you may be more likely to get them again next year. (of course, spraying doesn't guarantee that you will NOT get them again next year)
If you only have one or two tents you may want to just mechanically remove them and squash 'em.
EDIT: Depending on where you are and how educated your exterminator is, they are mo' propererly referred to as tent caterpillars. Don't panic too much, these worms are a native nuisance for pecan trees. They've been dealing with tent worms for a very long time without any chemical assistance from humans.
They can cause serious damage to foliage with a severe infestation. If you spray the tree you may not be able to eat any pecans this year, depending on what agent is used.
If you don't spray, the tree will probably be fine but you may be more likely to get them again next year. (of course, spraying doesn't guarantee that you will NOT get them again next year)
If you only have one or two tents you may want to just mechanically remove them and squash 'em.
EDIT: Depending on where you are and how educated your exterminator is, they are mo' propererly referred to as tent caterpillars. Don't panic too much, these worms are a native nuisance for pecan trees. They've been dealing with tent worms for a very long time without any chemical assistance from humans.
Cut them out of the tree and burn the tents worms and all in a metal can or burn barrel. This will reduce the spread to other trees.
You can wrap the trunks of the trees next year with a sticky substance to help reduce climbing insect pests on produce trees. I like Tanglefoot.
We had the same web worms on our pecan trees...used malathion on them...
Actually, that's not far off. It isn't unusual to see workers going through the pecan orchards West of town with a cherry picker and propane torches.
Obviously, since we live in a litigious society with a lot of hungry lawyers and not a lot of common-sense, this method isn't recommended for the casual homeowner.
Get a 3000 psi pressure washer from tool rental. Make your own nozzle by welding a nozzle shut and then drilling out a clean small hole (I am guessing 1/16" you will have to experiment) use Malathion or Sevin instead of soap in the additive tank.
Get a 3000 psi pressure washer from tool rental. Make your own nozzle by welding a nozzle shut and then drilling out a clean small hole (I am guessing 1/16" you will have to experiment) use Malathion or Sevin instead of soap in the additive tank.
I haven't measured it but I am guessing the top of the tree is a good 50'.
When I got home this evening I took time for a closer look and I have more "nests" than I thought some right up near the top. I counted around 15 total.
This weekend I will borrow a boom lift from work (I am lucky there) and spray them.
But until I looked real close I had no idea the tree had so many.
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