Published 4:55 pm Tuesday, August 18, 2026 This time of year, I receive calls from concerned homeowners across Colquitt County about fall webworm infestations. The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), is a polyphagous caterpillar pest of ornamental trees and shrubs in Georgia. “Polyphagous” means it can feed on many different plant species. Fall webworm is known to feed on more than 600 species of plants, including row crops, herbaceous plants, shrubs, fruit trees, and ornamental trees found in orchards, nurseries, and landscapes. Fall webworm larvae construct distinctive silken webs that serve as protective nests. These webs allow the caterpillars to feed while avoiding natural enemies and help retain heat. Although the webbing is considered unsightly, feeding within the nests can lead to extensive defoliation. Heavy infestations can quickly reduce the aesthetic value of landscape trees and shrubs and may cause significant stress to affected trees. Fall webworms are most active during late summer and early fall. Female moths can lay more than 600 eggs on the undersides of leaves. The eggs typically hatch within a week. Newly hatched larvae have either red or black heads and are covered with fine hairs. As they begin feeding, they construct silken webs around foliage. The larvae feed for approximately six weeks before pupating. The pupal stage may last up to 80 days, depending on environmental conditions. In Georgia, fall webworm may complete…
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