Identifying Harmless Bark Lice on Texas Red Oak

The white oval clusters on your Texas red oak are bark lice (Archipsocus nomas), also called webbing bark lice. They produce silken webbing on trunks and feed on fungi, lichens, and dead insects—not living tree tissue. They cause no harm and need no control.

If webbing is unsightly, spray with soapy water (2 tbsp dish soap per gallon) or a strong water jet. Insecticides work but aren't necessary. Bark lice are beneficial "clean-up crews." Their presence indicates a healthy, biodiverse tree environment.