Tent caterpillars on rise in Saskatoon this year

Saskatoon trees are already starting to see the effects of pests this year.

Tent caterpillars, cankerworms and leafrollers are already feeding on trees in the city.

City workers are reporting a greater number of caterpillars this year, especially around green ash trees.

Experts say high pressure washers are the best defence against caterpillars, washing them off the tree.

Tree banding can be used to fight cankerworms. However, banding will not stop tent caterpillars and leafrollers.

If home owners do band trees, they should remove them at the beginning of June. If they're left on, the bank will collect moisture and the tree will rot.

The City of Saskatoon doesn't control cankerworms, tent caterpillars or leaf rollers, because they normally don't significantly harm the tree.