Caterpillar Nest In a Tree?

Q: I have a weeping cherry tree, however this year it did not flower as much as last year. I found a large white cotton nest in the tree. I think it's caterpillars. How do I get rid of them?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Nancy from Margate, NJ

A: Nancy,

The can easily dislodge the caterpillar tent from the tree. Blast it off with a garden hose or use a broom to knock it down. Once the nest falls to the ground how you dispose of it is up to you. The caterpillars will have a hard time returning to the tree and are more likely to succumb to the voracious appetites of nearby birds then make it back to safety. The best time to destroy the tent is right around dawn or dusk. These are the times the caterpillars return to the tents after they finish feeding. If you prefer not to knock it down, you can also use an organic control called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This can be expensive and difficult to apply and is probably only economical for multiple nests in multiple trees.

To further protect your tree from migrating caterpillars, construct a barrier band around the trunk made of duct tape, tin foil or tar paper and coat it generously with a greasy substance like Vaseline. Don't apply the grease directly to the tree bark. The band should be in the shade or you may risk killing the bark and cambium that is underneath. Check the barrier daily and add more grease if necessary. Remove it as soon as the caterpillar cycle appears over (you see individual cocoons being formed in other people's trees).

Good Luck!
Ellen