fall webworms

Question

Do fall webworms cause sufficient damage to trees to make killing them necessary? I know they damage the part where the nest is but are they a real problem? They are on an apple tree. Are the insecticides safe for fruit? The tree needs to be cut back anyway, so if we cut off the damaged part will it be fine?

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Answer 1

Small nests don't seem to do any significant damage but trees that are covered in them may suffer from defoliation. This article might help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-fall-webworms.htm