The tent caterpillars are thick this spring. They have already denuded this black cherry tree.
They are so named because they hatch out and form these silken “tents” where they remain for the first few weeks as caterpillars.
They then wander off to find other trees to pillage and then form their cocoons.
Do they cause any irritation (like some of us do but not in a good way)?
The caterpillars eventually pupate, emerge as moths, mate, lay eggs, and start the cycle all over again. Lifespan as adults– a week or less. Interesting critters, even if destructive.
I’ve started seeing some around here too.
I hate those guys (though not as much as chiggars, deer flies, and mosquitoes).
Spraying BT from a civilian drone could be fun. My guess is it will be possible at a reasonable price within a few years.
I hate those things. I’ve managed to keep them off my garden, but the plumb trees around here have a few tents.