If you’ve noticed silky white webs draped across trees lately, you’re not alone.
The fall webworm has returned to Ohio and other parts of the Midwest, creating the unsightly nests that can stretch across branches and sometimes entire sections of trees.
The caterpillars behind the webs hatch in late summer and feed on the leaves inside their protective nests.
While the sight may worry homeowners, experts say the damage is usually more cosmetic than harmful.
Most trees will survive the infestation and regrow healthy foliage next spring.
As much as 200 acres here in Logan County has been affected, especially near County Road 5 in Zanesfield.
The fall webworm is not new to Ohio—it’s a native bug.
The webs are often most noticeable on walnut, hickory, cherry, and fruit trees, but the pest can appear on more than 100 different species.
Homeowners concerned about appearance can prune away infested branches or simply remove the webs by hand, but in most cases, nature will take its course.
Birds, wasps, and other predators help keep the population in check, and the caterpillars disappear once colder weather arrives.
Logan County’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent from The Ohio State University, Jacob King, talks about the worm:
