Webworms

Fall webworms are becoming noticeable in several of my trees. The picture is of our black walnut. They are also in the pear and crabapple.

My management strategy is to do mostly nothing. I did reach in and take them out of the pear tree so that the leaves can continue to feed the fruit.

Sticking something into the web and pulling the web and the weborms out works. Insecticides could be used once the web is removed but most of the worms fall out along with the removing of the web.

To view publication on webworms go to http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/entml2/mf2395.pdf

Cabbage Looper

Usually, the imported cabbage worm feeds on my broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. It might be a different year for pests since the cabbage looper is the one feeding. I picked them off this broccoli which is growing in a container. The others in the garden are under row cover which keeps the moths from laying eggs on them.

There are several insecticides for management. I've used products containing Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad in the past. The insects are most often on the underside of the leaves so treatments need to be applied there. Cole crop leaves are waxy so use a spreader/sticker with the insecticide for improved results.