The advent of the mid-summer season brings to life a ton of creatures that are famous for infestation.
The bagworm is no exception to this rule. They cause significant destruction to trees, plants, and even flowers!
Seen around and sometimes inside houses during their emerging periods after May and before early July, these insects are fully ready to infest by August, and that is the time they are seen the most.
Do you know how to get rid of those cocky bagworms to secure yourself your plants and your surroundings from these uninvited guests of the season?
Read the article below to find out!
What causes bagworms?
Bagworm colonies form and increase in size mainly by spreading caused by other bagworms.
The number of eggs in a single bagworm sack ranges between 300 and 1000. The larvae hatch as tiny black dots and become giant caterpillars.
From their original nest, the larvae began to disperse at a young age by “flying” onto neighboring trees using silk threads.
The same silk and plant material from the host tree is used to make their bag. Female bagworms lay their eggs in the sack they grew up in once they become adults, and the cycle repeats.
How To Get Rid Of Bagworms In House?
Getting rid of bagworms might seem complicated, but it can be accomplished with care and consistency.
To effectively get rid of bagworms, several methods can be employed.
First, identify the infested areas and inspect plants for bagworm presence.
Once detected, manually remove the bagworms by handpicking and destroying their bags. Pruning heavily infested branches is another crucial step in eliminating bagworms.
For additional control, consider using insecticidal sprays or introducing natural predators.
If you follow these strategies on how to get rid of bagworms, you can protect your plants and prevent further damage caused by these persistent pests!
What Kills Bag Worms?
Several techniques can eliminate bagworms, both mechanical ( done by humans ) and chemical. Some of these are mentioned in the list below:
Sprays: The most straightforward method that can help you get rid of targets is the diet of bagworms.
Spraying insecticide on the areas where bagworms exist can help you eliminate these worms.
The insecticide is sprayed on the areas where the bags are during months of extensive deeding by the larvae, which reduces the chances of many larvae getting a chance to hatch.
Handpicking: Not the most efficient method, but physically removing these worms when you see them can help eliminate them in an environmentally friendly and safe way.
However, getting the job done takes much work and is time-consuming.
Pruning: Cutting off individual branches or small areas of trees where bagworms are seen can help you quickly eliminate them and stop them from spreading further.
Biological methods: Introducing natural predators and parasites can help keep bagworm populations in check.
Beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, lacewings, and certain birds feed on bagworm larvae.
You can encourage these predators by providing suitable habitats, such as birdhouses and diverse plantings that attract beneficial insects.
Standard Solutions To Bagworm Problems
Bagworms are mainly found outdoors, and the precise outdoor areas outdoors can vary.
Use the table below to find answers and possible solutions to common bagworm issues such as how to get rid of bagworms on tree.
| Issue | Possible Solution |
| How to get rid of bagworms on cedar trees? | Manual removal of bags and prune-infested branches. |
| How to get rid of bagworms in tall trees? | Seek professional assistance for effective treatment. |
| How to get rid of bagworms on evergreens? | Apply insecticidal sprays or use biological controls. |
| How to get rid of bagworms on pine trees? | Use insecticidal sprays, and prune heavily infested areas. |
| How to get rid of bagworms on arborvitae? | Manual removal, pruning of affected branches, and applying insecticides if necessary. |
| How to get rid of bagworms without chemicals? | Handpick and destroy bagworms, and encourage natural predators. |
Should You Kill Bagworms?
Whether you kill the bagworms in your backyard or let them stay and allow natural selection to do the work for you is entirely your choice.
However, several factors should be taken into account before you make your decision.
Firstly, if the infestation is widespread and is causing extensive defoliation, eliminating bagworms may be necessary to protect the health and aesthetics of your landscape. However, if the population is minimal and is not causing significant damage, you may choose to let them live on.
Secondly, Bagworms primarily target evergreen trees and shrubs but can also affect deciduous plants.
If the infestation poses a significant risk to the vitality and survival of valuable or rare plant species, it may be advisable to intervene and eliminate the bagworms to preserve the health and diversity of your garden.
Finally, it’s essential to consider the broader environmental impact. Opting for natural or organic control methods can minimize the use of chemical insecticides and their potential adverse effects on beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife.
Prioritizing eco-friendly approaches helps maintain a balanced ecosystem in your garden.
Learning how to get rid of bagworms naturally is easy and a great way to get in touch with nature if you choose this method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adult female moths laying eggs on susceptible host plants result in bagworm infestations.
Larvae that feed on vegetation and build bags as they grow emerge from the eggs. If uncontrolled, bagworm populations can quickly grow, leading to widespread defoliation and harm to infected plants.
Typically, bagworms are outdoor pests that mostly attack trees and plants. However, taking immediate action is important if you see bagworms indoors. Examine the infected region first, then locate the point of entry.
Vacuum the affected area entirely and manually remove any visible bagworms before discarding the bag in a sealed container.
Seal off any potential access sites to stop the infestation’s spread. Consult a pest control expert for advice and help eliminate bagworms indoors.
Start by manually removing and destroying the bags to eliminate bagworms in your tree.
Cut off and discard branches that are severely infested. Consider adopting biological controls like beneficial insects or insecticide sprays.
For best results, treat the tree while the bagworms are still in the early stages of growth.
Bagworms eat foliage, which can seriously harm plants. They kill the leaves of trees and shrubs, resulting in poor health, slow growth, and death in extreme circumstances.
Bagworm infestations can cause plants to lose their visual appeal and become dull, which might influence your landscape’s aesthetic appeal and practicality.
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Nadine is a passionate gardening writer sharing practical tips, innovative ideas, and valuable insights on plant and soil care, In her spare time, she tries to convince her plants to grow by singing them catchy tunes.