Madison, WI – As temperatures cool and school resumes, Wisconsin residents may notice unusual sights in woodlands and neighborhoods: large, web-like nests covering the tips of tree branches.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), these structures are created by the native insect fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), which spins sizable webs in late summer and early fall. The caterpillars, which live inside these nests, feed on tree leaves but generally cause little long-term harm.
Because the webs appear when trees are already slowing down for the season, the impact on overall tree health is minimal. The DNR noted that intervention is rarely needed, as rain and wind typically break down the webs within a few months.
Officials caution residents not to burn the tents or prune infested branches, as these actions can harm the tree more than the webworms themselves.
The DNR also stressed that fall webworms are distinct from other species such as the spongy moth or eastern tent caterpillar, which feed earlier in the year and can cause greater damage.
For now, experts recommend patience: the webs may look alarming, but they are a natural and temporary part of Wisconsin’s late-summer landscape.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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