Bagworms. Everyone’s favorite little defoliator, right? These clever moths begin life as tiny caterpillars and use the foliage of trees and shrubs to protect themselves so they can mate and create even more bagworms. They can be extremely destructive, and their cone-shaped cases oftentimes go unnoticed as "pinecones" or some other doo-dads that almost pass for something that belongs on the tree!
Can bagworms kill my trees and shrubs?YES - Bagworms can disfigure or even kill evergreens in a hurry as they feed on needles. If you have a minor infestation of bagworms, pick off the cases and throw them away in a sealed grocery bag, place in a bucket of soapy water, or burn them if that gives you satisfaction. If your trees have more than a few however, give us a call so we can perform properly timed insecticide sprays. Remember, every case can have 300-1000 eggs, so you don’t want the population exploding from one year to the next!
How does Arbor Aesthetics manage bagworm infestations?Arbor Aesthetics offers a two-time foliar spray treatment of either Permethrin or Bifenthrin insecticide while the larvae are actively feeding on your trees and shrubs. We closely monitor bagworm larvae activity so the timing of the treatments is most effective. We recommend repeating this treatment annually for at least 2-3 years before re-evaluating for control.
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AuthorAmy Grewe, Certified Arborist & Co-Owner Categories
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April 2023
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