What's the Problem?
In the spring, the larvae construct a nest of leaves and branches that are tied together with dense webbing. The larvae feed as a group within the nest, enlarging the nest when necessary. The nest is often filled with excrement and bits of leaves, resulting in an unsightly mass. Damage caused by the ugly nest caterpillar has no lasting effect, but the presence of the nests reduces the aesthetic value of the tree. In severe cases, whole shrubs have been entirely covered by unsightly webbing. Outbreaks of the ugly nest caterpillar are sporadic and may be absent for several years.