White Webbing on Trees: Houston Residents' Guide to Bark Lice Released

A certified arborist company serving Houston has published a guide addressing homeowners' concerns about the silky white webbing found on local trees.

Brenham, United States, September 29, 2026 /NewsNetwork/ -- Tree Care, Inc., a tree service company serving Greater Houston, has published a guide addressing a question that can concern homeowners when silky white webbing suddenly appears on tree trunks. The guide identifies bark lice, also known as Psocids, as the source and seeks to ease concerns among residents who may mistake the webbing for a sign of disease or infestation.

More information is available at https://www.treecarehouston.com/tree-care-post/why-is-there-white-webbing-on-my-tree-trunk

Bark lice are common across the Galveston-Houston region and frequently appear on oak and pecan trees. Rather than feeding on the tree itself, these insects consume algae, fungi, lichen, and other organic debris that collects on bark. The guide describes them as a natural cleaning crew and provides information for residents who may otherwise assume that white webbing indicates a problem requiring immediate treatment.

The white covering produced by bark lice, occasionally referred to as the "ghost web" phenomenon, tends to appear in late summer and can wrap entirely around trunks and larger branches. This can give a tree a startling, almost ghostly appearance seemingly overnight. According to the guide, however, the webbing typically fades within a few weeks as bark lice colonies finish feeding and move along.

Tree Care, Inc. advises against pesticide treatment for bark lice, noting that no control measures are generally necessary because the insects do not damage healthy wood or bark. "There is generally no reason to spray a tree simply because you see bark lice or their webbing," a spokesperson said. "Pesticides can disrupt the broader mix of organisms living on the bark surface, while the bark lice themselves are not harming the tree."

While bark lice themselves cause no harm, a noticeable jump in their numbers can sometimes point to underlying conditions such as drought stress, soil compaction, or excess moisture, and these situations may warrant a closer look from a professional.

About Tree Care, Inc.

Tree Care, Inc. has served Greater Houston, Washington County, and the Highway 290 corridor for nearly 50 years, with a team of ISA Certified and Oak Wilt Certified arborists on staff. Its resident arborists can inspect trees showing bark lice alongside other signs of stress, such as thinning foliage or dieback, to determine whether further attention is needed.

For details on tree care services and to learn more about the company, visit https://www.treecarehouston.com/

Contact Info:
Name: Taylor Richardson
Email: Send Email
Organization: Tree Care, Inc.
Address: 106 South Market Street, Brenham, Texas 77833, United States
Phone: +1-713-850-8466
Website: https://www.treecarehouston.com/

Source: NewsNetwork

Release ID: 89204764

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