How to Remove Bagworms From Trees

If you grow your own trees, you will more than likely encounter pests, and worms of several different species are among the most common tree pests. Bagworm caterpillars, for example, are worms that live inside bag-like cocoons and cause extensive feeding damage to host trees that they infest. Avoid this damage to your trees using a simple bagworm control strategy.

Things You'll Need

• Bagworm insecticide

Instructions

1. Hand-pick the worms off the tree. For minor infestations, simply hand-removing the bagworms can be effective. If possible, remove the worms during fall, winter or early spring before bagworms egg hatch. Remove and dispose not only the worms, but also their bag-like cocoons.

2. Protect the bagworms' natural enemies. Many species of birds are known to tear open bagworm cocoons and feed on bagworm larvae; some species of insect predators and parasitoids also can help control bagworm populations. Avoid the use of broad-spectrum insecticides that could harm insect predators and parasitoids and do not disturb bird populations that you observe feeding on bagworms.

3. Apply a bagworm insecticide to your tree. Entomologists recommend acephate, carbaryl, azadiractin, spinosad, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, gamma-cyhalothrin and permethrin insecticides for bagworm control. Choose one that will not harm the species of tree you grow and never deviate from the manufacturer's suggested dosage and application guidelines.

References

• University of Kentucky Extension; Bagworms on Landscape Plants; M.F. Potter & L.H. Townsend
• Penn State University Extension; Bagworm Fact Sheet