Spring and summer in Houston aren't just about the scorching heat and sticky humidity – they bring a fuzzy invasion that clings to trees, homes, and cars, known as webworms. Despite their off-putting gatherings, experts assure they're harmless to us humans and our furry friends. As noted by the Houston Chronicle, these critters are particularly drawn to an array of trees, some 100 different kinds, which unfortunately includes favorites like pecan and mulberry, prevalent throughout the Houston landscape.
These pests have adapted to be resilient against Texas' harsh elements, making them a steadfast nuisance. "They've been around a long time and figured out a way to acclimate to Texas weather, so it's unlikely that one significant weather event will kill them off," Texas A&M AgriLife entomologist Molly Keck revealed in a statement obtained by the Houston Chronicle. For those trying to rid their yards of the insect, treatments include glue traps, water hoses, and if needs be, pest control for significant infestries.
When discussing removal methods, less can more often be more. "If your trees are healthy and if your plants are healthy they should be fine getting through it," explains Lauren Davidson, an Entomologist at the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, in an interview with KHOU. She suggests that breaking apart the webs with a stick or pole disrupts the caterpillars' sanctuary, making them vulnerable to natural predators instead of reaching for pesticides right away.
While webworms mostly feed on the leaves, infested trees usually survive the ordeal given they're healthy to begin with. However, for those with young or ailing trees, they should remain vigilant as these insects can seriously jeopardize their survival. Not only foliage is at stake – these critters, who transform into white moths post-caterpillar life, have also been known to cause power outages by interfering with electrical equipment. That said, "nature takes its course," as reported by the Houston Chronicle, with pest control experts recommending homeowners to resolutely break up clusters to expedite natural population control.
In the meantime, Houstonians are encouraged to stay vigilant and adopt these expert-recommended measures to ensure the webworms remain nothing more than a seasonal spectacle and not a perennial problem.
