Tent caterpillars invade Prince George neighbourhood

PRINCE GEORGE – Tent caterpillars have returned to Prince George in large numbers for the first time in more than a decade, and local garden experts say the insects can strip an entire garden bare in a single night.

Lucia Van Hage, who owns Art Knapp Plantland, says that many of the chemical treatments used in the last outbreak are no longer available. Because of this, prevention is now the best approach. Wrapping the base of trees with a sticky barrier or even a layer of Vaseline can keep caterpillars from reaching the leaves.

If you are already seeing damage, Van Hage encourages you not to give up on your plants. Even if a rose bush loses all its leaves overnight, it may still be alive. Regular watering and fertilizing give stressed trees and shrubs the best chance to recover and grow new leaves. The staff at Art Knapp’s can help you choose between organic and chemical solutions, depending on your preferences.