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Catalpa Worms Come and Go: Natural Cycles, Not Disappearance

Catalpa Sphinx Caterpillars: Boom and Bust

Catalpa worms (catalpa sphinx larvae) defoliate trees cyclically—abundant 1–3 years, then scarce for years due to parasites (especially a tiny wasp that spins white cocoons on caterpillars).

To Encourage Return

No insecticides on the tree.
If a nearby tree has caterpillars, transfer a few in spring.
Trees refoliate quickly after defoliation.

Age estimation: core sample by arborist, or historical records. Your tree is likely 100+ years given the 1800s mansion history.

Trees: Catawba Worms: Control or Sell for Bait; Identifying and Controlling Worms on an Indoor Dracaena Tree; Catalpa Worms: Tree Defoliators or Fisherman's Gold?; Understanding Catalpa Worms and Parasitic Wasps; Preventing Catalpa Worms (Catawba Worms) on Catalpa Trees; Attracting Catalpa (Catawba) Worms for Fishing Bait; Restoring Catalpa Worms for Fish Bait; Sourcing Catalpa Worms for Fishing Bait: Biology and Acquisition; Growing Catalpa Trees for Fishing Worms; Catalpa Trees and Catawba Worms: The Fisherman's Secret Bait Source

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Starting Catalpa Worms: Transfer Eggs or Young Caterpillars

Young Mahogany Low Fork: Remove Before Storm Failure

Catalpa Pruned to Trunk in Fall: Wait a Month Before Giving Up

Pecan Webworms: Trunk Treatment for Tall Trees

Borers in Dying Willow: Wire Probing and Systemic Insecticide

Growing Catawba Trees from Seed Pods: What You Need to Know

Worms in Plum Tree Roots: Earthworms vs. Borers