How to Get Rid of Bagworms? Here’s What You Should Do

Elvin Carico

By Elvin Carico

Last Updated on November, 2024

Bagworms can be a nightmare for your garden, especially if you’ve got a few favorite spruce and evergreen trees that you’d like to keep healthy and vibrant.

These pesky critters can wreak havoc, and if you’re not careful, they can turn your beautiful foliage into a sad, brown mess, as adult bagworms feed on almost all parts of a plant.

But don’t worry—we’re here to show you how to get rid of bagworms easily and effectively.

Quick Summary

  • Hand-picking bagworm egg sacks and using soapy water is the simplest and most effective method, particularly in the fall, winter, or early spring before the eggs hatch.
  • If hand-picking isn’t feasible, spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) during the larvae’s active feeding period (typically from early May to early July) is another effective method for controlling bagworm infestations.
  • Other methods include using neem oil, chemical insecticides, encouraging natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps, planting moth-repelling plants, and turning off outdoor lights to reduce bagworm moths. Regular inspections and early intervention are crucial for preventing future infestations.

The Easiest Way to Get Rid of Bagworms

So, how do you get rid of these destructive pests?

The simplest and most effective method is hand-picking. Lift the branches, clip off those bagworm egg sacks, and drop them into a bucket of water mixed with dish soap.

Make sure the bagworm cocoons are submerged fully in the soapy water, so those eggs don’t stand a chance. After soaking, seal the soaked bagworms in a plastic bag and toss them in the trash. Easy, right?

It’s best to do this in the fall, winter, or early spring before the eggs hatch, and they spread to a nearby tree. Regularly removing these sacks can significantly reduce bagworm populations, keeping your trees safe from future infestations.

Bagworms on a tree

When to Spray for Bagworms?

If hand-picking isn’t your style, or if you’ve got a larger bagworm infestation, spraying might be your next best option to save your garden from dead plants.

The timing is crucial here. You’ll want to spray when the bagworm larvae are feeding vigorously—typically after early May and before early July, depending on your location.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a popular choice of spray for bagworm infestation control because it’s effective against young larvae and safe for other beneficial insects.

Read more:

Alternative Methods for Bagworm Control

Bunch of bagworms on a tree

If you’re looking for other ways to tackle bagworms, there are several options available:

  • Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide and an effective DIY treatment that’s safe for your plants and effective against bagworms. Apply it directly to the affected trees and plant parts during the larval stage.
  • Insecticides: Chemical control can be effective, especially for large infestations. Just be sure to follow the label instructions carefully to avoid harming your plants or the surrounding environment.
  • Bagworm Predators: Birds and certain insects, like parasitic wasps, are natural predators of bagworms. Encouraging these creatures in your garden can help keep bagworm populations in check.
  • Moth-Repelling Plants: Consider planting moth-repelling plants around your garden to deter adult bagworm moths from laying eggs.
  • Turn Off Outdoor Lights: Bagworm moths are attracted to lights, so keeping your outdoor lights off at night can help reduce the number of moths around your garden.

Spotting Bagworms: What You Need to Know

Bagworms are those long, thin, brown sacks that look like little pine cones hanging from tree branches, especially evergreens like juniper, arborvitae, cedar, and spruce.

These sacks may seem harmless, but they’re anything but. Each one of those silk bags can hold up to 1,000 eggs, ready to hatch in the late spring or early summer. When those eggs hatch, you’ve got a new batch of hungry larvae just waiting to chow down on your precious plants.

The Life Cycle of Bagworms

Bunch of bagworms on a tree shrub

Understanding the life cycle of bagworms is key to effective control. These pests go through four stages: bagworm eggs, larvae, pupal, and adult.

Female bagworms produce around 500-1,000 eggs in their bodies, before they die. Then they progress from mature larvae to caterpillars. These caterpillars feed on the leaves and other parts of the host plant, before progressing to the pupal stage.

The larvae are the most destructive, feeding on the buds, needles, and leaves of the host trees. If you’ve got a heavy infestation, these caterpillars can eat over 80% of a tree, sometimes killing it entirely.

Bagworms aren’t picky, either. While they prefer the foliage of evergreens, they’ll happily feast on more than 128 different types of trees and shrubs, including deciduous trees.

On these leafy deciduous trees, bagworms chew small holes, causing defoliation and leaving the tree or shrub looking worse for wear.

Preventing Future Infestations

A bagworm population can be a persistent problem, but with a little vigilance, you can keep them at bay. Regularly inspect your trees, especially in the fall and early spring, for any signs of bagworm activity.

Lift branches and remove any egg sacks you find, and keep an eye out for feeding damage during the growing season.

If you’re dealing with heavily infested trees, consider calling in the professionals.

Our team at Tree Removal San Antonio is experienced in dealing with bagworms and can provide you with the best treatment options to protect your garden. Whether it’s spraying, pruning, or a full assessment of your garden, we’re here to help.

Ending lifecycle phase of bagworms

Wrapping it Up

Bagworms are a common species of pests and are more than just a nuisance—they can cause serious damage to your trees and shrubs if left unchecked, especially if you’re dealing with heavy infestations.

But with the right approach, you can get rid of them and keep your garden looking beautiful.

Hand-picking bagworms, spraying, and encouraging natural predators are all effective methods for controlling them. And remember, regular inspections and early intervention are key to preventing future infestations.

Got bagworms? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Give us a call, and let’s keep your garden healthy and thriving. After all, your plants deserve the best care you can give them.

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