How to Identify and Get Rid of Wolly Bear Caterpillars
Keep those fluffy invaders out of your home
Those adorable little fuzzy caterpillars that you find wriggly along your driveway and sidewalk can quickly become a hassle when they decide your home is a safe haven from the cold.
Woolly bear caterpillars are the larval form of the Isabella tiger moth, a striking yellow moth that frequents porch lights. According to folklore, the wider the rust band is on a woolly bear, the milder the coming winter will be. While this can be a fun experiment to run on your own, there’s little evidence to suggest they predict what the weather will be like this year.
Let’s dive into what makes these caterpillars more than just an outdoor curiosity. In this article, we’ll discuss:
How to identify woolly bear caterpillars and understand their life cycle
Effective prevention and removal methods for woolly bear caterpillars
When to contact a professional pest control service
Identification and Life Cycle
Woolly bear caterpillars are easily recognizable due to their distinct fuzzy appearance. They have a black and rust-brown banded body, with the amount of each color varying among individuals. Measuring about 2 inches long, these caterpillars are covered in dense bristles, which serve as a natural defense mechanism against predators.
During the summer, adult moths lay their eggs on plants, and the caterpillars hatch within a few weeks. The caterpillars will feed on a variety of plants, including dandelions, clover, lamb’s quarters, nettles, and burdock. When the temperate begins to cool, the caterpillars enter a state of dormancy as they seek sheltered places to overwinter. This is when they begin looking for protected areas to hibernate, often finding their way into homes and other structures.
When spring arrives, the woolly bear caterpillars emerge from their hibernation and pupate, transforming into the beautiful, golden-yellow Isabella tiger moth. This cycle repeats yearly, making the fall season the prime time to spot these fuzzy creatures seeking warmth.
Prevention and Removal Methods
If you find woolly bears trying to move in during the fall, you may want to take some proactive actions to prevent them from making your home their winter cottage. These determined critters enter through small cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and siding, often unnoticed until they’ve made themselves comfortable.
While they don't bite or pose health risks, they do have a tendency to wander, leaving behind tiny droppings and occasionally staining fabrics, carpets, or walls. Their fuzzy bodies may also cause irritation for some people, especially if they are handled.
Here’s how you can prevent them from getting inside:
Seal Entry Points: Begin by inspecting your home for potential entry points. Use caulk to seal gaps around windows, doors, and siding. Pay special attention to areas where pipes or cables enter the home. Even small openings can be enough for these persistent caterpillars to squeeze through.
Install Weather Stripping: Ensuring your doors and windows are properly sealed with weather stripping can reduce the number of entry points. Adding door sweeps at the base of exterior doors can block caterpillars from crawling inside.
Maintain Screens: Check that all window and door screens are in good condition. Repair any tears or holes, no matter how small, to ensure that pests stay outside where they belong.
Outdoor Yard Maintenance: Since woolly bear caterpillars often thrive in gardens and wooded areas, maintaining your yard can help limit their presence near your home. Rake up leaves, clear away debris, and keep the grass trimmed. Reducing clutter in the yard will make it less attractive for caterpillars seeking overwintering spots.
Why Choose Pest Pro Solutions
Sometimes, an invasion of woolly worms can be overwhelming, or perhaps you are too busy to get around to everything you need to prevent them from entering your home. Whatever the reason, there’s a way to keep your home pest-free this winter.
Our professional services at Pest Pro Solutions can provide a variety of options to target woolly bears and other invading pests. We can treat areas you may not have access to, such as behind walls or in crawl spaces, and apply insecticides that are more effective than those available to the public.
Additionally, we can assess your home for any overlooked entry points or vulnerabilities that might be letting the caterpillars in. We can create a long-term prevention plan tailored to your specific situation, ensuring that your home stays bug-free in the future.
We understand that calling a professional pest control company can sometimes feel a little unnerving. At Pest Pro Solutions, we make pest control easy and convenient for you. Our professional team of experts has the knowledge and skills to keep woolly bear caterpillars away from your home for good.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation!
