Question
I ask Jim Hyland a question about an Oak tree I have that has what Jim thinks is fall web worms but also has a secondary problem that he suspects is another worm that has sort of shredded the stems of other leaves away from where I find the tents of web worms but left them hanging on the tree, basically scattered all over the tree and he recommended using Orthene on the trunk of the tree. I have sprayed Ortho Max Home defense on the tents as well as the trunk of the tree. Will this suffice or do I need to get the Orthene too? Jim is on vacation now so I have to ask you for the followup.

Answer
William:
If this is fall webworm, the actual web offers quite a bit of protection for the "critters" inside. The fall webworm usually makes the "web" on the ends of the branches. I have never seen it on oak in my part of the world.  Sweetgum, pecan, hickory, and persimmon are hardest hit here.  You are welcome to send me a photo if there is a concern about the identity.

I would question the effectiveness of the Orthene product on the trunk for the webworm. Often the webs are out of reach for many sprayers. Most of the time here, we don't bother with trying to control these insects.  The tree, if growing vigorously, will releaf once the insects complete their life cycle. Just remember to keep the tree watered sufficiently, especially during the hot/dry and windy days of summer.

Regards
Steve