As the temperatures begin to drop in North Carolina and the growing season winds down, many homeowners assume that plant pests are also packing up for the year. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Fall is prime time for certain types of caterpillars, which can cause significant damage to turf, trees, and ornamental plants before winter arrives.
These caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies. While some are harmless or even beneficial, others can be destructive in large numbers. Here’s what you need to know about the most common fall caterpillar pests in North Carolina—and what to do if you find them in your landscape.
Common Fall Caterpillars to Watch
Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Fall Armyworms are one of the most damaging caterpillars to North Carolina lawns. They are known for quickly devouring turfgrass, especially fescue and Bermuda, in late summer and early fall. These pests feed in large numbers and can strip a lawn overnight, leaving behind brown, chewed-up patches that look like drought damage.
What to look for: Ragged grass blades, thinning turf, birds feeding in the lawn, or visible brown patches
What they eat: Primarily turfgrass, but also some annuals and perennials
What to do: Contact a landscape professional for proper identification and treatment. Early intervention with insecticides can help reduce damage.
Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)
While more active in spring, the fall tent caterpillar and its cousins can still be seen building webs in trees during the early part of fall. These caterpillars are most noticeable by the unsightly silken tents they build in tree branches.
What to look for: Web-like tents in the forks of tree branches, mostly on wild cherry, crabapple, and other hardwoods
What they eat: Tree leaves, especially from fruit and ornamental trees
What to do: Remove and destroy tents by hand in the early morning or evening when caterpillars are inside. Pruning and insecticidal treatments may also be needed for severe infestations.
Saddleback Caterpillar (Acharia stimulea)
This striking little caterpillar has a distinctive green “saddle” marking on its back—but don’t be fooled by its looks. It has venomous spines that can cause a painful sting to humans, and it feeds on a variety of ornamental shrubs.
What to look for: A bright green caterpillar with a brown center and stinging spines
What they eat: Leaves of azaleas, maples, oaks, and other deciduous trees and shrubs
What to do: Avoid touching them. Handpick with gloves or call a professional if you see multiple.
Prevention and Management
Monitor your landscape regularly in late summer and early fall, especially after a warm or dry spell.
Treat early. Caterpillars are easier to control when they are young. Contact your landscape provider to apply insecticides if needed.
Encourage natural predators like birds and beneficial insects that help keep populations in check.
Keep lawns healthy with proper watering and fertilization, as stressed turf is more vulnerable to damage.
Fall caterpillars can be sneaky and fast-acting, but with early detection and the right response, your landscape can stay healthy and beautiful through the season. If you're noticing signs of damage or unusual insect activity, reach out to our team—we’re here to help you protect your investment year-round.
Fall Caterpillar Damage Can Escalate Quickly in the Triangle
Fall often feels like the landscape is slowing down, but certain caterpillar species become more active as temperatures cool. In the Triangle, these pests can cause rapid damage to turf, trees, and ornamental plantings before winter arrives.
Caterpillar damage is often mistaken for drought stress or seasonal decline, which allows infestations to spread unnoticed. Early identification and timely response are critical, especially when caterpillars feed in large numbers or affect turf and valuable trees.
Our team works with homeowners throughout Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding Triangle to identify pest-related damage and protect landscapes before problems worsen.
If you’re seeing thinning turf, chewed leaves, webbing in trees, or unusual insect activity, a professional evaluation can help determine the cause and the appropriate next steps.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are caterpillars active in the fall in North Carolina?
Several caterpillar species feed aggressively in late summer and fall as part of their life cycle. Warm days combined with cooler nights create ideal conditions for feeding before they pupate.
Can fall caterpillars really damage lawns in the Triangle?
Yes. Fall Armyworms, in particular, can cause severe turf damage in a short period of time. Lawns may appear drought-stressed or brown almost overnight as caterpillars consume grass blades.
How can I tell the difference between caterpillar damage and drought stress?
Caterpillar damage often appears as ragged grass blades, thinning turf, or chewed leaf edges. Bird activity in lawns and visible insects are also common signs, whereas drought stress usually affects turf more uniformly.
Are all caterpillars harmful to landscapes?
No. Many caterpillars are harmless or beneficial. However, certain species can cause significant damage when populations are high, which is why proper identification is important before taking action.
Is it safe to remove caterpillars by hand?
Some caterpillars, such as Saddleback caterpillars, have stinging spines and should not be handled directly. Wearing gloves or contacting a professional is recommended if multiple caterpillars are present.
When should homeowners contact a professional?
If damage appears quickly, affects large areas, or continues despite basic monitoring, professional identification and treatment can help prevent further loss and protect plant health.
Can early treatment help landscapes recover before winter?
Yes. Addressing caterpillar damage early reduces stress on turf and plants, helping them recover before winter dormancy and improving overall spring performance.