Bark Lice on Florida Oaks: Harmless Webbing Insects

That “Cobweb” Blanket Is Bark Lice Silk

The silky sheet covering your oak trunk is spun by bark lice (also called psocids)—tiny brown insects that graze on fungi, lichens, and dead insects on the bark. They are beneficial clean-up crews, not pests.

No Treatment Needed

• They don’t eat leaves, bore into wood, or harm the tree.
• If webs are unsightly, a strong water jet or 2 tbsp dish soap per gallon of water will remove them (they’ll rebuild in hours).

Bark lice are common across the Southeast, including Florida. Enjoy the free bark-cleaning service!