Saskatchewan residents have battled mosquitoes, fought flies, and waged wars on wasps, but this year it's a different pest, that is looking to steal the summer.

Tent caterpillars have become a problem in several communities across the province.

The city of Regina has begun spraying trees to avoid the pests within the city.

Melanie Clark lives outside Regina. Last Thursday her property was so covered in the caterpillars, they were carrying them away by the shovel load.

“They’re dripping from everything, they’re everywhere,” Clark says. “It takes courage to go outside some days.”

Tent caterpillars are quite common across the prairies and in North America.

They feed on hardwood trees like ash or oaks, and with no shortage of those in Saskatchewan experts say they insects are likely sticking around.

“On almost any given year we can see outbreaks in some areas,” Provincial specialist Scott Hartley told CTV. “This year just tends to be more widespread compared to most.”

Residents can only hope that the critters won’t be as widespread next year.

Based on a report by CTV’s Ashley Field.