Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Tree Cocoons

One of the trees in the woods next to us has cocoons in it. This is a photo of one of them. I have seen them in trees along the roads, but this is the first I noticed any close to us. I sprayed the cocoons, hoping to stop the caterpillars or worms inside from coming out and eating the tree. I would be so sad if we were to lose any of the trees that provide homes for the birds and the squirrels. The trees provide a beautiful setting next to our home, as well. Many evenings, I sit out back and let a little relaxation set in as I look out at the mountains and the trees. I once saw a red fox back there and the deer used to roam around in the distance, but they have taken up residence elsewhere it seems. I will keep watch to see if there is any activity at the cocoon site.

4 comments:

yoborobo said...

Audrey - If they are the Eastern Tent caterpillar (from what I understand) they won't hurt your trees (they only eat some of the new growth and are native to our area), but if it's the gypsy moth, they will, because they eat later (in June) and the tree tries to repair the damage by growing new leaves, and that weakens the tree (diseases, etc.) in the fall/winter. I think the only way to tell is by the caterpillar itself! But I am no expert!:))
They are weird little webby nests. I see them everywhere in Maryland. xo Pam

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

We have these here in Indiana and without destroying them completely (and sometimes that requires cutting the limb and burning it) they will ruin and kill the tree it 2-3 years, while spreading to others.
Cut the thing and burn it....don't take chances.
Our roadside are strewn with trees decimated by tent caterpillars.

XXOO~~
Anne the Executioner

Marlene said...

Audrey, I am not sure what kind of moths those are, but I know here they decimate trees and our Dept of Ag and Forestry Dept. spray for them.

Anonymous said...

We get them and there will be caterpillers that turn to moths. Like Anne said, burning them....xox Corrine