Experts report Eastern tent caterpillars are hatching in Central Kentucky in increasing numbers.

“Some tents are the size of baseballs now, so they will be easy to see,” said Lee Townsend, PhD, a University of Kentucky College of Agriculture entomologist. “Caterpillars in tents out on limbs are now relocating and building large tents on branch angles on the main trunks.”

According to Townsend, now is the time to check wild cherry and related trees for Eastern tent caterpillar activity to determine whether or not any management is necessary.

“Tent caterpillar populations have been gradually increasing over the past two to three years and seem to be up again this year,” Townsend said. “Populations vary considerably from location to location in a county