Bagworms are insects that are perennial pests, which means that they have a life cycle of one year, during which they are able to breed. They commonly infest pine, juniper, spruce, and other evergreen plants. Because female bagworms are unable to fly, infestations tend to spread slowly. Bagworm larva are difficult to kill and even when eaten by birds are able to pass through the digestive system alive.
Step 1
Use pesticides. This is the easiest, but also most dangerous way of eliminating bagworms. There are many different pesticides that can kill bagworms, including acephate and carbaryl. Follow the instructions on the pesticide container to apply it.
Step 2
Apply bacillus thuringiensis. This is an organic compound that only kills bagworms and caterpillars. As a result, while it kills bagworms, it will also prevent butterflies.
Step 3
Pick the bags by hand. Because the bags contain eggs, this works best in the fall, winter, or early spring (before the eggs have hatched). These will look like miniature pine cones and will appear either brown or gray. Pick or cut these down and then immerse them in water to kill the eggs.
Step 4
Set pheromone traps. Pheromone traps use chemicals that male bagworms are attracted to, believing that they come from female bagworms. When these worms enter the trap, they are killed.
Step 5
Spray dormant-season oil spray. This spray, which is available from many gardening stores, should be sprayed in the winter on your plants. It will smother eggs that are lying dormant for the winter.
Tips and Warnings
- Pheromone traps work best when they are set in August.
- Pesticides are dangerous and should be handled according to the instructions on the containers. Pesticides should only be used on the plants indicated on the container.
Things You'll Need
- Pesticide
- Bacillus Thuringiensis
- Pheromone Traps
- Oil Spray
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