How Do You Get Rid Of Worms Hanging From Trees?

Worms hanging from trees are a common sight. People often wonder what they are, why they have them, and how to get rid of them. The truth is that even the most experienced arborist has asked these same questions at one time or another. Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with tree worms, and most of them are relatively easy to implement yourself.

What Worms Hang From Trees?

You may have noticed some worms hanging from trees. These are usually the larvae of moth or butterfly species, and they’re often found on trees during the springtime. Some moths lay their eggs on plants and shrubs where caterpillars can feed off the leaves, while others will lay them directly in the ground for the larvae to develop under the soil.

How do you identify these worms hanging from trees? They can be greenish-black or brownish-red, with a few tiny hairs covering their bodies. They also have large heads compared to their small bodies, giving them an overall worm-like appearance.

Worms are not dangerous. They’re just a nuisance that can make your yard look unsightly. But some people are allergic to them, so it’s essential to keep an eye out for symptoms such as a rash or hives.

How Do I Get Rid Of These Worms?

A simple way to get rid of them is to call an exterminator if you notice a large number of tree worms around your yard. They can assess whether they pose any harm before suggesting an extermination treatment plan that’s right for your needs. Here are some other methods you can rely on:

• Use a chemical spray
• Use a biological spray
• Use a mechanical method (spray water or use an electric leaf blower)
• Natural methods (alcohol, salt, vinegar).

Destroy the eggs

It is well known that the sooner you identify these worms, the better. Destroying their eggs is an effective way of getting rid of them. The eggs can be spotted as clusters on branches, and once spotted, use a chemical spray to destroy them. This method ensures your tree isn’t damaged in the process.

Use a Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) Spray

If you’ve missed the chance to destroy the eggs, maybe because it’s hard to spot them, this option is very potent as well. One of the easiest ways to treat your trees is by spraying them with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).

BT is a naturally occurring bacteria that kills caterpillars. It’s safe for humans, animals, and the environment. You can buy it from a garden center or online, but you will need to apply it precisely so as not to harm nearby plants.

Leave the worms to the predators

One of the simplest ways to get rid of worms hanging from trees is to let their natural predators take care of them. Birds and bats are some of the most effective predators in this situation because they can fly around rapidly enough to catch the worms before they escape.

Chemical control methods

If you’re going to go with a chemical control method, either use a pesticide or a non-toxic pesticide. If you choose the former, make sure it’s safe for the environment and your family and pets. Bacillus thuringiensis spray is an example of a non-toxic pesticide that can be used on worms hanging from trees.

Use sticky bands 

You can use sticky bands to trap the worms. Sticky bands are easy to use and have no harmful effects on the environment. They are also effective at trapping other insects, so if you have different types of bugs that may be hanging from your trees, this is a good option for you.

Once you’ve used a sticky band to trap a worm or two, you can remove them from their trap and dispose of them in an organic waste bin or compost pile where they will decompose naturally.

Use Horticultural oil

Horticultural oil is a type of oil that is used to kill insects and other pests on plants. The oil kills the insects by smothering them, preventing them from breathing and moving. It also absorbs into the insect’s body, which can affect its ability to move around and digest food. Horticultural oils are used to control mites, scale, and other pests on plants.

Horticultural oil can be applied directly to your tree with a sprayer or drenched onto a cloth before wiping it over the tree’s trunk, branches and leaves in order to get rid of worms hanging from trees.

Pruning

Pruning is the best way to control these worms. The first step to pruning is to figure out which type of worm(s) you are dealing with. Pruning affected branches will help you eliminate these worms. Cut out the affected branches and dispose of them the right way.

Call an expert to remove them professionally

If you’re worried about safety issues or if you don’t want to damage the tree, consider hiring an expert. Your local tree service will be able to help remove these worms with little fuss. You’ll get professional results without any of the risks associated with doing it yourself.

Do I Really Need To Rid My Trees Of Worms?

If you have a tree that is infested with tree worms, it is essential to take the time to remove them. Tree worms can cause severe damage to your home and property if left unchecked.

In addition, they are known for being very hardy insects that are difficult to get rid of once they set up shop in your trees. If you have tried several different methods of removing these pests, but nothing seems to work, then it’s time for you to try something new. The benefits include:

• Your tree grows without a problem.
• You are free from the risk of having insects invade your home.
• Your tree won’t be a bad sight.
• You are more comfortable around your tree.

Conclusion

You should now know how to get rid of worms hanging from trees. Make sure you follow the steps in this article, and you’ll be able to eliminate any worms that have taken up residence in your tree.