Home » What is a Forest Tent Caterpillar?

What is a Forest Tent Caterpillar?

Normally when we see a thick web in our windowsill or one of the trees in our yard, we immediately think one thing: spiders!! However, there are other types of insects that are notorious for creating enormous sacs or networks of thick webbing. We often get a variation of this question from our customers: what is the bug that makes big webs in windows and trees at my house?

A forest tent caterpillar on a rock

Normally when we see a thick web in our windowsill or one of the trees in our yard, we immediately think of one thing: spiders! However, there are other types of insects that are notorious for creating enormous sacs or networks of thick webbing. It could very well be another creepy crawler that has become quite active in North Carolina in recent years, the Forest Tent Caterpillar, also known as the Eastern Tent Caterpillar. 

What Does the Forest Tent Caterpillar Look Like?

The Forest Tent Caterpillar) has become increasingly common in North Carolina in recent years, and has become a concern for many homeowners. While the caterpillar is not technically dangerous, their giant nests are quite noticeable, and can make some homeowners nervous. You can identify the forest tent caterpillar by its two inch long body with dark oblique lines down its middle back.   

Where Does the Eastern Tent Caterpillar Live?

They are commonly found spinning their enormous and thick webs between the legs of picnic tables, under or around the decks of homes, or trees, particularly cherry trees. However, they are sometimes found in the windows or window sills of homes as well.

Are Forest Tent Caterpillars Dangerous?

Eastern or Forest Tent Caterpillars are not dangerous, and do not present a threat to you, your children, or your pets. While they are covered in small hairs that could be misinterpreted as spikes, they do not bite, sting, or poison. They usually just keep to themselves, determinedly spinning away and building their webs. Once complete, they spend most of their time in their webs resting and molting, waiting to turn into moths.

How Can I Get Rid of Tent Caterpillars?

As stated above, tent caterpillars are not usually dangerous. However, if they have made their web in or on your window sill or deck, or perhaps in your favorite tree, you may want them gone. In that case, there are a couple of ways to get rid of the Forest Tent Caterpillar.

  • You can wipe their web off of your window or deck with a towel or cloth, or with a glove on. If you do not want to get that close, you can use a broom or a mop to do the same.
  •  If you do not want to remove the web completely, or are looking for an alternative, elegant solution, you can jab their web full of holes with a stick or broom handle. This will allow birds and predators access to the larvae inside of the web, and voila.               

Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Clegg’s Pest Control

Our experienced team of pest control professionals are  waiting and ready to leap into action defending your home with a variety of safe and effective pest control solutions. When you’re dealing with Forest Tent Caterpillars, give our team at Clegg’s Pest Control a call. We offer sustainable pest control solutions to remove pests and keep them out for good. Call our Clegg’s team  or contact our team online to schedule your free inspection today! 

 

 

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Asheville
276-B Haywood Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
Charlotte
1520 Industrial Center Cir.
Charlotte, NC 28213
Clinton
205 Wall St.
Clinton, NC 28328
Durham
2401 Reichard St.
Durham, NC 27705
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500 S. Eastern Blvd.
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Greenville
864 Rivit St.
Greenville, NC 27834
Kernersville
740 Indeneer Dr.
Kernersville, NC 27284
Morehead City
2700 Bridges St.
Morehead City, NC 28557
New Bern
218 Kale Rd.
New Bern, NC 28562
Raleigh
3751 Bastion Ln.
Raleigh, NC 27604
Smithfield
1520 S. Brightleaf Blvd.
Smithfield, NC 27577
Southport
4075 Old Bridge Rd. SE
Southport, NC 28461
Wilmington
3417 Enterprise Dr.
Wilmington, NC 28405

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276-B Haywood Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
1520 Industrial Center Cir.
Charlotte, NC 28213
205 Wall St.
Clinton, NC 28328
2401 Reichard St.
Durham, NC 27705
500 S. Eastern Blvd.
Fayetteville, NC 28301
864 Rivit St.
Greenville, NC 27834
740 Indeneer Dr.
Kernersville, NC 27284
2700 Bridges St.
Morehead City, NC 28557
218 Kale Rd.
New Bern, NC 28562
3751 Bastion Ln.
Raleigh, NC 27604
1520 S. Brightleaf Blvd.
Smithfield, NC 27577
4075 Old Bridge Rd. SE
Southport, NC 28461
3417 Enterprise Dr.
Wilmington, NC 28405

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