Question
I have a mature Papershell Pecan tree in the back yard and I cut out all of the tents I saw this summer however I am now seeing an onslaught being forged on the foliage on the tree. I cut a branch off that was low enough to see that it appears to be Armyworms by what I have seen in the way of online images. These worms do not spin any webs at all. They simple devour all vegetation on the limb they inhabit. At first it wasn't a problem but these little guys have some veracious appetites. What is the best means of ridding the tree of the pesky buggers? Keep in mind the tree is about 20' tall and I have 2 small dogs that use the yard too. It is a beautiful tree and I do not want to begin slicing and dicing my tree unless absolutely necessary.

Suggestions?

Answer
Sounds like Walnut caterpillar. The caterpillars develop in large clusters and rapidly defoliate ornamental and orchard trees if not controlled. Spraying with insecticides is the best control measure. To avoid as much damage as possible, spray the caterpillars when they are still young.

Larvae characteristically arch their heads and tails in a defensive posture when disturbed. Since they feed together, damage may be localized to just a branch to two. Isolated trees are more subject to attack than forest or orchard trees. The caterpillars often move in a group to the tree trunk to molt from one stage to the next, leaving a patch of fur-like hair and cast skins. When they finish feeding, they drop to the ground and pupate in the soil. They do not spin a cocoon but form a naked pupal case.

Groups of caterpillars found on tree trunks or branches during molting can also be destroyed. For larger trees and plantings, the application of insecticide sprays is the most practical method of control. Use products containing carbaryl (Sevin?, malathion, diazinon, acephate (Orthene?, methoxychlor, trichlorfon (Dylox? Proxol? or Bacillus thuringiensis. Thoroughly spray leaves, twigs, limbs and tree trunks. Large infested trees may require treatment by commercial applicators with high-pressure sprayers.

Since they do move to the trunk before they drop to the ground I would at least spray the trunk as high up as you can. This will kill they caterpillars as they move down the trunk.
Here is a web link to more information on Walnut caterpillars.
http://www.gaipm.org/pecan/scout/html/walnut.html