Last year we saw one of the worst bagworm outbreaks we’ve seen in years. Start treatments now to help prevent this pest from decimating your plants
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The common bagworm, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Haworth), is an interesting caterpillar. The most commonly observed form of this pest is the spindle-shaped silk bag camouflaged with bits of foliage, bark and other debris. Completed bags range from 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches long. The larva within the bag is brown or tan, mottled with black, and the bee-like adult males have clear wings and fur covered bodies. The females remain larva-like and do not emerge from the bag. The larva may stick its head and front legs out of the top of the bag to feed and move. When disturbed, the larva immediately pulls its head into the bag and holds the opening closed. Mature larvae may stay on their host plant or drag their bags some distance before firmly attaching the bag for transformation into the adult stage.
Bagworms winter over as eggs in the bag of the female from the year before. So the first measure of control can come by hand-picking all the bags from last year. These eggs hatch mid to late May through the end of June. Individual larvae drop from the bag on a strand of silk and either swing onto a branch or sail in the wind to another tree. Immediately upon landing they build a silk-lined bag, often
decorating it with bits of foliage. Larvae remain in the bag feeding, with only the head and thoracic segment extending out.
As the larvae grows, the bag expands to accommodate it. Mid to late August, feeding will stop and in two to three weeks adults emerge. Females remain in the bag looking like a slug. Males become a winged moth flying to the females bag and mating. The males die, female lays up to 1,000 eggs in her bag then dies as well.
Control
Use FL Liquid Systemic Drench for prevention. It Dissolves in water, moves down through the soil, and is absorbed by the roots. Once absorbed, it moves up through the tree or shrub, providing year-long protection even into new growth.The Absolute Best control for Bagworms is FL Borer, Bagworm, Tent Caterpillar & Leafminer Spray which is now called Natural Guard Spinosad. This is a natural product so is very safe for kids, pets and wildlife.
The next best product is also a natural product, HY Thuricide. These are both only effective on worms and caterpillars.
Always make two applications 10 to 14 days apart. Also, due to the silky webs holding the bag together, add Spreader Sticker to the mix to increase adhesion, penetration and residue length. Direct the spray from the tip of the plant to the inner most part of the plant.
When the bags are over an 1½ inch long, the above controls are less effective, at this point you need to use HY 38 Plus.
Again add Spreader Sticker and make two applications 10 to 14 days apart.
