Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Caterpillars, on live oaks
Question:	We own a ranch in Lavaca County , Texas. We have a problem with caterpillars in our beautiful live oaks. When and with what should we spray our trees to eliminate the caterpillars?
Answer:	Generally, oaks stand up well with a wide variety of insects feeding on them. Insecticide treatments are not advised because the damage is minor. Healthy oaks can stand complete defoliation in the spring and will leaf out again and grow fine. If you want to treat for them you should treat early before the damage is done. Bacillus thuringiensis products like Dipel, Thuricide, Worm Killer and others are good choices. There are several other products that will control them just fine too.
Related Link:	http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/cimg321.html
Related Link:
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Response by:	John A. Jackman, Ph.D.
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
** Most of the Related Links above also contain images.