Live Oak Covered in Fine Webbing? Bark Lice Are Harmless

Silky Webbing on Live Oak Trunk? It's Bark Lice, Not a Pest

Fine webbing running up the trunk of a live oak in the South, with tiny spider-like insects underneath, is classic bark lice (psocids) activity. They are beneficial, not destructive.

Why No Treatment Needed

• Feed on algae, lichens, dead bark—scavengers.
• Do not bite, sting, or damage living tissue.
• Webbing protects them; disappears in winter.
• Insecticides kill predators and are unnecessary.

If You Must Remove Webbing

Strong jet of water from a hose. That's it.

Reference: Auburn University Bark Lice Info