With spring in full swing, tent caterpillars are starting to make an appearance among the trees in the Valley.
There are several different types of tent caterpillars, including the western tent caterpillar. It has reddish brown markings on its body and is usually pale underneath. Other tent caterpillars include the forest tent caterpillar.
These are a pale blue colour with black and have white spots on their backs. Tent caterpillar eggs hatch in early spring when trees have new buds. The caterpillars begin feeding, and the tent they have lived in all winter, becomes their safe place from natural enemies and provides shelter from temperatures and weather.
The town of Drumheller is working to get rid of the caterpillars, Mayor Terry Yemen said.
“The town does have a program where they address these types of issues in the parks,” Yemen said. He continued by mentioning that residents are responsible for looking after this on their own property.
“The town is aware of (the caterpillars) and are working to control them on town property. On private property, that is the responsibility of the homeowner,” he said.
The tent caterpillars have many natural enemies, helping to eliminate them. Chemicals, such as Bacillus thuringiensis or B.t. can also be used if there are large amounts of caterpillars. This product is a natural bacterial toxin that acts as a poison when eaten by caterpillars.
If homeowners are looking for a way to get rid of these creatures, or would like more information about them, visit http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/healthy-living-vie-saine/environment-environnement/pesticides/tent-livreeamerique-eng.php