Webbing on an Oak Tree (Click to Enlarge)
Photo by Tom MacCubbin
What many gardeners are seeing resembles a Halloween horror tour but
it’s not October and this is in their own yards.
Their tree and
some large shrub limbs are covered with a webbing that resembles a
stocking. It’s a bit scary as in the picture sent by one of our local
gardeners.
Do put your mind to rest this is not the horror show
many feared and it’s not a major problem either. The webbing is the
handy work of psocids also known as tree cattle and bark lice. They do
not affect you and they don’t affect the tree either. These are
small leaf-hopper looking insects that move about in clusters or herds.
The only feed on bits of old bark, lichens and algae.
What they
are really up to is raising the next generation within the very
protective webby covering. Their spinnings may cover major and small
limbs but almost never envelops plant foliage. The webbing cannot
suffocate the trees as many fear.
Most likely the web will
disappear with the next rain or if you want you can wash it off. There
is no need to use pesticides and the insects cause no harm. Just enjoy
their handiwork.
