Over the last few weeks, cities all across the metroplex have seen an increase in cankerworms. While the inchworms are no stranger to Texas, it's rare for DFW to get an infestation on this level.
Cankerworms are tiny caterpillars that feed off trees, especially the hackberry. The skinny bright green worms, which are less than an inch long, can be seen swaying from silken strings, hanging from door eaves, yard furniture, open porches, or anyplace they can catch a breeze.
"We've just started getting calls because the defoliation has become so dramatic over the last week. People become concerned when they see their trees losing all of their leaves," said Amy Heath, a Board Certified Master Arborist and the owner of Texas Tree Surgeons.
According to Dallas Culture Map, Cankerworm outbreaks only come every few years and only occurs in certain weather conditions. The last outbreak to hit DFW was back in 2015. Hopefully this outbreak doesn't last long, or else DFW will have some new residents to worry about.
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