Tent caterpillars are dropping down out of the trees with a vengeance. They are a native insect to this area and their natural targets seem to be the deciduous trees, such as our elders. I have read that when they get dense like this they get a viral disease tat is specific to them and kills many of them. The rest of the caterpillars hatch into moths, which lay many eggs.
During this heavy infestation they feed and defoliate the trees. It is recommended that with the few trees in our yard that are affected, hand picking or cutting of the nests in the evening when the caterpillars have returned to their nest can help reduce damage. Burn the nests, or put into bags for disposal. If they are left alone they will naturally decline and continue their cycle. I think we will let nature take it's place!
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