FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- Fall webworms are infesting trees across West Virginia but entomologists say the insects are more of a nuisance than a threat.
FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- Fall webworms are infesting trees across West Virginia but entomologists say the insects are more of a nuisance than a threat.
Clark Haynes with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture says the fall webworm's life cycle is late enough in the year that the larvae won't do much harm as they feed on trees.
West Virginia University entomologist and professor Yonglak Park says this year's fall webworm population is high because of the weather. Heavy winter snows insulated pupating fall webworms and the spring wasn't too rainy or windy.
Park says the best way to protect trees is to cut off branches where cocoons have been spun. The branches should be burned immediately.
FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- Fall webworms are infesting trees across West Virginia but entomologists say the insects are more of a nuisance than a threat.
Clark Haynes with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture says the fall webworm's life cycle is late enough in the year that the larvae won't do much harm as they feed on trees.
West Virginia University entomologist and professor Yonglak Park says this year's fall webworm population is high because of the weather. Heavy winter snows insulated pupating fall webworms and the spring wasn't too rainy or windy.
Park says the best way to protect trees is to cut off branches where cocoons have been spun. The branches should be burned immediately.
