Pink-Striped Oakworms on Live Oak: Minor Late-Season Pest

Caterpillars Eating Live Oak Leaves in Fall: Oakworms

Pink-striped oakworms (Anisota virginiensis) feed late in the season, causing minimal long-term harm.

Options

• Do nothing: Damage mostly aesthetic. Trees leaf out fine next spring.
• Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis): Bacterial spray; caterpillars die in ~1 week.
• Contact insecticide (Orthene): Faster kill.

Recommendation

Since it's late season and you've hand-picked, no further action needed. Monitor next July/August for early treatment if they return.

Resource

Auburn Extension on pink-striped oakworm