How to Get Rid of Tree Bag Worms
Bagworms are a destructive pest that infect ornamental trees and shrubs. They get their name from the cocoon-like bags that they live in that hang down from tree limbs. In mid-summer, the eggs hatch inside the bag; in some worm varieties, the male moth emerges. Female bagworms remain inside the bag for their entire lives. Getting rid of tree bagworms requires that you treat the adult moths as well as remove the bags. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Ladder
- Trash bag
- Water
- Twist tie or rubber band
- Garden sprayer
- Pesticide with Acephate or Permethrin
Instructions
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1
Place a ladder underneath a tree limb that contains bag worm cocoons on it. Stabilize the ladder so it does not rock back and forth.
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2
Put on gloves and climb up the ladder while carrying a garbage bag.
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3
Grasp the top of the cocoon where it attaches to the tree limb and pull it off with your hands. If necessary, use a knife to cut it off of the limb. Place the cocoon into the trash bag.
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4
Continue picking off the cocoons and repositioning the ladder as needed until you have removed all of the cocoons.
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5
Climb down the ladder.
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6
Fill the trash bag with water until the cocoons are completely covered. Tie the top of the trash bag tightly using a twist tie or rubber band. Allow the bags to sit outside for two to three days to drown the bagworms and larva. After this time, dispose of the worms in the trash or dump them in a far section of the yard.
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7
Fill a garden sprayer with a pesticide that contains the ingredients Acephate or Permethrin. Mix the pesticide with water if instructed to do so by the package.
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8
Climb back onto a ladder, and spray the entire branches and leaves of the tree with the pesticide until it drips off.
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