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Honey Locust Loopers: Seasonal Management

Green "inch worms" (loopers) on mature honey locusts are seasonal defoliators. Populations cycle—heavy one year, absent the next.

Management Strategy

Monitor: Spray only when caterpillars appear
Contact insecticide: Bayer product works on active feeders
Trunk implants: Systemic option for large trees (contact Wayne Co. Extension: 313-833-3412)
TreeRx implants: Commercial system

Why Not Preventive Spraying

Wastes money/insecticide on non-existent pests
Kills beneficial insects
Resistance development risk
Natural cycles self-regulate

BBQ Season Reality

Silk threads and caterpillars in hair are annoying but temporary. Targeted treatment when present preserves tree health and your sanity. Large trees (50', 80" diameter) tolerate significant defoliation.

Trees: Green Caterpillars on Hybrid Ash: Identifying Inchworms and Management Options; Orange Worms in Acorns: Weevil Larvae, Minimal Impact; Tan Worms in Kitchen Sink/Strainer: Need Photo or Sample; Catawba Worms: Control or Sell for Bait; Fall Webworms on Live Oaks & Elms: Identification & Control; Boosting Catalpa Worm Populations and Managing Ants; Utilizing Tree Tops After Logging; Preventing Catalpa Worms (Catawba Worms) on Catalpa Trees; Willow Tree Encroachment and Property Line Liability; Walnut Caterpillar Outbreak on Black Walnut: Identification and Control

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