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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Pest identification and confirmation:
Common foliage-feeding caterpillars

How to distinguish insect larvae

California oakworm
California oakworm
Phryganidia californica

Feeds on oaks.

Western tussock moth
Western tussock moth
Orgyia vetusta

Feeds on most species of evergreen or deciduous trees.

Gypsy moth
Spongy moth (formerly gypsy moth) Lymantria dispar*

Feeds on many species of deciduous trees.

Western tent caterpillar
Western tent caterpillar
Malacosoma californicum

Feeds on deciduous trees and shrubs.

Omnivorous looper
Omnivorous looper
Sabulodes aegrotata

Pest of many species.

Archips argyrospila
Fruittree leafroller
Archips argyrospila

Pest of many species.

Schizura concinna
Redhumped caterpillar
Schizura concinna

Pest of many tree species.

Fall webworm
Fall webworm
Hyphantria cunea

Pest of many species.

*In the western United States, the spongy moth (formerly gypsy moth) is a target of eradication efforts. Report suspected moths to the county Department of Agriculture, which will take action to prevent this pest from becoming established.

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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