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Know Your Webworms
Homeowners in Wichita, Overland Park, and across Kansas often spot silky webs on tree branches in late summer. Here is what they are and what to do.
Webworms are caterpillars that build silk tents on tree branches. The webs look strange, but most trees handle them well.
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Knowing the signs early helps you act before the tents grow.
Webworm Activity in the Kansas & Missouri Corridor.
Wichita and the Kansas City area have many of the trees webworms like. Walnut, pecan, mulberry, and cherry are common targets.
Activity usually shows up from midsummer into fall.
What Types of Webworms Live in Kansas?
Smart Webworm Control You Can Trust
Most Kansas webworm calls come from a few common types.
Fall webworms build large, loose tents at the ends of branches. They show up from July through October and feed on leaves inside the web.
Eastern tent caterpillars build tents in branch forks in spring. They are often mistaken for webworms.
Bagworms hang in small, cone-shaped bags instead of webs. They need a different approach.
Sod webworms live in lawns. They chew grass blades and can leave brown patches.
Many other caterpillars look alike. If you are not sure what you have, send us a photo.
Webworms vs Look-Alikes
Most webworms are not a danger to people. They do not bite or sting.
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Some have fine hairs, so use gloves if you handle them.
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The main concern is leaf loss. Healthy trees usually recover, but heavy damage year after year can stress them.
Why Webworms Are a Problem Near Kansas Homes
Webs can cover whole branches and look messy. Many homeowners just want them gone.
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The caterpillars eat leaves, so heavy activity can leave branches bare in late summer.
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Large tents near patios, driveways, and play areas also get in the way.
Common Warning Signs of Webworms
Webworm activity is easy to spot once you know what to look for.
Silk Tents: Thin, web-like tents at the ends of branches that grow larger week by week.
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Chewed Leaves: Leaves inside the web look skeletonized or are gone.
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Caterpillars: Fuzzy, pale caterpillars moving around inside the tent.
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Droppings: Small dark specks collecting inside and below the web.
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Bare Branch Tips: Leafless ends on branches where tents formed.
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Falling Debris: Bits of leaves and droppings on the ground under the tree.
When Is Webworm Season in Kansas?
Fall webworms are most active from July through October.
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Tent caterpillars show up earlier, usually in spring.
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The best time to act is when tents are small. Check your trees every few weeks in summer.
Why Kansas Homes Attract Webworms
A few common conditions around Kansas yards can make webworm problems more likely.
These include:
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Favorite host trees like walnut, pecan, mulberry, and cherry
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Trees close to the house, deck, or patio
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Warm, dry late summers
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Stressed or thinning trees
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Small tents left alone early in the season
How Professional Webworm Control Works
Good webworm control starts with a close look at your trees.
At Bug Shockers Pest Control, we start by finding the tents and the trees affected.
We check how big the tents are and how much leaf damage there is.
Then we choose the right treatment for your yard and trees.
Small tents can often be removed by pruning. Larger ones may need a targeted treatment.
We explain what we find in plain language, so you know what to expect.
Can Webworm Problems Be Prevented?
You can lower the risk, but no yard is ever fully webworm free.
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Check your trees every few weeks from July to October.
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Prune out small tents early and place them in a trash bag.
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Keep trees healthy and watered so they bounce back from leaf loss.
When Should You Call About Webworms?
Call if tents keep coming back, or if you see them on many trees.
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Call if tents are too high to reach safely, or if branches are losing most of their leaves. We can look at the tree, tell you what is going on, and suggest a next step.
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You can also send us a photo. We are happy to help you figure out what you have.
Get in Touch with Us
Questions or ready to schedule? Our family-owned team is standing by to help you get back to living worry-free. From Sedgwick County to Johnson County, we provide the expert care you deserve with no contracts required.
5.0 stars · 350+ reviews
3x Best of Wichita Gold Winner
No Contracts required
Family-owned & operated since 2011
Prefer to call or text?
Wichita area: (316) 775-7867 or Overland Park and the KC Metro: (913) 222-2847
Protect Your Kansas Trees from Webworms
Webworms are a late summer and fall concern in Kansas. Acting while tents are small makes the job easier.
Bug Shockers is local and family-owned, with no contracts and a 5.0 star rating. We are happy to take a look.
Reach out any time with questions.
Related Webworm Pages
Frequently Asked Webworm Questions
How can I tell webworms from tent caterpillars?
Tent caterpillars build tents in branch forks in spring. Fall webworms build looser tents at branch tips from July to October. If you are not sure, send us a photo.
Do webworms kill trees?
Not usually. Healthy trees often recover from one season of leaf loss. Repeated heavy damage can stress a tree over time.
Are webworms dangerous to people or pets?
No. They do not bite or sting. Some have fine hairs, so wear gloves if you remove tents by hand.
Can I just cut the webs out myself?
For small tents you can reach safely, yes. Prune the branch tip and bag it. Stay away from power lines, and call us for tall trees.
When should I call a pro for webworms?
Call if tents keep returning, cover many branches, or are too high to reach safely. We can take a look and suggest a plan.