Types

• Fall inchworms lay their eggs during fall and winter months; spring inchworms lay their eggs in the spring each year. Despite the varying egg laying times, all the eggs of both species hatch during spring. The eggs begin to hatch when the temperature reaches 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  

Identification

• Adult inchworms have a spider-like appearance and six legs. The males have wings but the females are wingless. Their bodies are grayish-brown. The worm-like larvae measure an inch in length and appear either brown or green. The larvae have legs only on their hindquarters and in the forefront of their bodies, near their heads.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Rosebushes grown near shade trees often suffer heavy inchworm infestations because the worms drop down from the trees. The larvae may be picked by hand from the bush and drowned in soapy water or squished. Application of an insecticide may be required to control heavy inchworm infestations during the two-week larva stage in spring. The ideal time to spray is when the worms are less than 1/2 inch long.