What can I do to prevent these dang "web worms" from eating all the shrubs in my yard?

Question

I live in north texas and the web worms ( I think that is what they are called) have been the worst I have ever seen in all the years I have lived here. They eat the green leaves off of particular type trees in the neighborhood, they have been attacking and eating all the leaves off of my dwarf yopon hollies recently. I have been told that generally the shrub/tree will survive and regrow new leaves. In the meantime the plants look horrible. I think by the time they all grow back, the worms will be making another round. They have been in our neighborhood twice this year alone, for extended periods of time. Any suggestions on ways to kill them without harming my shrubs? In 22 years in my home I have never had to deal with them, now I fear this will be an ongoing reoccuring problem. Any tips, especially any non toxic solutions would be most appreciated.
Thanks.

Answer 1

Fall webworms are the larva (caterpillar) of a moth. Their silk like nests typically cover the ends of branches. They live inside these webed nests; when they consume all the leaves inside their nest, they expand the nest over new leaves. You can control Fall Webworm by:

1) Prune out the smaller nests and destroy or discard.
2) Tear holes in their web. This allows natural predators like birds to access the webworms.
3) Since this is a caterpillar, the natural & organic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is quite safe & effective if applied to the leaves when larva are small. It is always best to apply Bt in the late afternoon as this product is sensitive to the sun.
4) Contact pesticides like carbaryl (Sevin) can be effective.
5) Systemic pesticides like Ortho Systemic Insect Killer can also be effective.

Always read & follow label instructions when purchasing or using pesticides.

Answer 2

Since I'm not sure whay you have here are some links for to decide just what insect you have and then decide.

Insect pictures
http://www.lotf.com/weeds/insects.htm
Are they webworms or bagworms. My understanding is webworms primairly attack the lawn.
Sod Webworms
http://www.landscape-america.com/problems/insects/sodwebworms.html

Bagworms
http://www.pestproducts.com/bag-worm.htm
Information, pictures and control of bag worms on ornamental trees and shrubs.
Often, people will confuse Bagworms with Tent Caterpillars.?
What I know about bagworms is you almost have to handpick them and destroy.
Scroll down to:
Bagworm Control Measures
http://www.pestproducts.com/bag-worm.htm
Jerry Baker Master Gardner
http://www.jerrybaker.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=2#trees
Q: I've got a problem with bagworms all over my favorite evergreen tree. What should I do?
http://www.jerrybaker.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=2#trees

Answer 3

wait till after dark when they go back to the nest then either spray em or burn em up with a propane torch

Answer 4

take a torch and burn the web before they hatch

Answer 5

DON'T LET YOUR BABIES TO GROW UP TO BE COWBOYS