Bagworms are Back!

The tree care experts at the Wichita Kansas branch of Arbor Masters Tree service agree that Bagworms are one of the more curious and interesting insect pests of trees and shrubs.  There are some 128 species of shade trees and shrubs that are susceptible to bagworm feeding injuries. Heavy infestations on evergreen trees and shrubs may cause extensive defoliation and even death of the plant.

 Bagworms appear as small cocoon like bags that hang off branches of a variety of evergreens as well as Sweet Gum, Maples, Honey Locust, Crabapples, Sycamores and Black Cypress trees.

 Once the Bagworm has hatched, it will begin to dine on the tender buds and needles causing dieback of leaves and branches. Heavy infestations on evergreen trees and shrubs may cause extensive defoliation and even death of the plant. Whereas on deciduous plant, the stripping of leaves alters the plants appearance and health while slowing growth.

By mid-June, over winterizing eggs begin to hatch inside the bag made by the previous year?s female. Within days, the bagworm larvae begin to search out a food source. Once a suitable host plant is found, the larva begins to enclose itself in a cone shaped bag for immediate protection. A covering or bag is interwoven using silk and bits of leaves and twigs from the host plant. As summer progresses the bagworm will continue to feed and grow up to 1.5 inches in length while continuing to enlarge its own one piece designer cone shaped carry-on baggage.

Evergreens that are most susceptible to bagworm damage are Arborvitae, Blue Spruce, Cedars, Junipers, Norway Spruce, and White pine. Deciduous trees that are a favorite target of bagworms include Bald Cypress, Black, Locust, Crabapple, Honey Locust, Maple, Sweetgum and Sycamore. If you suspect that your landscape trees or shrubs may have bagworms, contact Arbor Masters for a free diagnosis and recommended form of treatment to rid your landscape from these destructive pests.

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