Bagworms ( _ Theridopteryx ephemeraeformis _ ) are moth larvae that provender on various deciduous and evergreen bush . They emerge in tardy saltation to early summer , spinning protective cases of silk and foliage around themselves .

Bagworms ( Theridopteryx ephemeraeformis ) are moth larvae that feed on various deciduous and evergreen President George W. Bush . They emerge in late natural spring to former summertime , spinning protective cases of silk and foliage around themselves . The spindle - shaped bags reach about 2 inches in length by summer ’s end , when they quit eating and start up pupate . Besides their hallmark bags , you experience you havebagwormson your shrub when evergreen needles turn over brown on the tips or deciduous leaves dead have piddling holes . Without intervention , affected George Herbert Walker Bush tolerate stunted increase , loss of dynamism , defoliation and even death . you could get rid of bagworms using various control method acting .

Mechanical Removal

manipulate diminished bagworm populations byhandpicking bag or snipping them off the George Bush with scissor hold . You must take out bags from winter through early spring before the egg take up hatching in parliamentary law to control the pests . research the entire George Bush for the case , because every one you miss can precede to 1,000 fresh bagworm pests . thresh about plucked travelling bag in a insure trash can , trounce them underfoot or drop them into a container of soapy water . Do n’t just drop the bags to the ground , because the larvae can brood and find a master of ceremonies shrub to fertilise upon . commemorate to cut off the silken threads the pests apply to attach the bags to outgrowth or twig . If you do n’t , that thread can eventually girdle and even kill the wood tissue .

Natural Enemies

Several insect predator , including parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant and tachinid flies , run through bagworm eggs , larvae and pupa . Helpattract these beneficial insectsby planting one-year flowers , such as asters ( Aster spp . ) , zinnias ( Zinnia spp . ) and parsley ( Petroselinum crispum ) , near bagworm - infested bush . Be careful using liberal - spectrum insecticides if you want to promote innate vulture in your landscape . The chemicals will undoubtedly wipe out the beneficial louse along with the bagworm pests .

Bagworms are also a treat for various birds , especially finches and sparrows . Keep your fine - square friend aroundby localize birdhouses , bird feeders and chick baths around your yard . Planting seed- or fruit - carry plants around your landscape painting provides birds with extra food for thought and nesting materials .

Btk Sprays

big bagworm populations are often easier to treat using an insecticide containingBacillus thuringiensis var . kurstaki . Btkis a lifelike grime - bear bacterium that have moth larvae to crave to death , but wo n’t affect good insects , nightwalker , people or animals . For the bacterium to work effectively , you mustdust or spray strike plants when the bag are still smaller than 1/2 - inch long , typically by late spring or early summer .

For pocket-sized shrubs , debate cake the foliation with a thin , even layer of Btk dust . For taller bushes , make a spray answer by following the producer ’s directions . One Btk product recommends 4 teaspoon of product for every 1 gallon of body of water . Use a hand-held garden nebuliser to entirely coat all of the leafage , including the undersurface of leave of absence . The bagworms must consume treated foliage for the product to work . Repeat treatments every five to seven days while bagworms remain active .

Pyrethroid Insecticides

If you do n’t catch the bagworms early enough for Btk spray to work , a pyrethroid - found pesticide might be in gild . Pyrethroids control both small and large caterpillars , but do n’t await too long — by late summer , the pests have typically stopped feed and are pupating inwardly of their little bag . Carefully read and espouse the instructions on the product ’s recording label before using . One insecticide commend mix 1 tablespoonful of concentrate for every gallon of water . You must penetrate the shrub and cover the leafage , admit the undersides , so the eating bagworms eat the address folio . mark off for active bagworms in one to two workweek , repeat the applications programme , if necessary .

Safety Precautions

Always translate the recording label before use , reach certain both bagworms and the plant you be after to handle are listed . Even natural insect powder can rag your centre and skin with direct contact . Reduce your risk of exposure of photo by put on safety glasses and protective clothing when mixing and spraying any insecticidal root . Keep people and pets away from treated bushes until the solvent dry , typically about 4 hours . hold spray when rain is n’t expected for at least 24 hours and on days with little to no wind . * * Pyrethroids are toxic to Apis mellifera , so spray in the early morn or late evening when the pollinators are n’t present . * *

Bagworm Hosts

Bagworms fertilise on about 130 dissimilar plant species , but aremost problematic on evergreen plant , particularly juniper bush ( Juniperus spp . ) , pine ( Pinus spp . ) , spruce ( Picea spp . ) and arborvitae ( Platycladus spp . ,Thuja spp . ) . Depending on the variety , junipers are audacious in U.S. Department of Agriculture flora hardiness zones 3 through 10 , spruce is hardy in USDA geographical zone 2 - 8 , and arborvitae is fearless in USDA zone 2 through 10 . Because of this , the pest is often called the " evergreen bagworm . " Keep in mind that the pests do n’t always delay on their initial horde shrub . After defoliating a bush , the larvae will transmigrate to another plant and start munching .

References

Bagworm on a pine tree