Have you been dealing with bagworms infestation all summer. Bagworm infestations can leave an unsightly look to your trees and cause maybe defoliation if left untreated.
Bagworms in North Carolina are one of the most common tree pest in otherwise known as a caterpillar and found east of the Rocky Mountains. We’ve seen bagworms all around the Charlotte and Concord area up past Greensboro and well into neighbors in Raleigh. Bagworms are not a host-specific pest and can be found on a variety of common shade trees and ornamental plants.
Common Symptom: The most common symptom of a bagworm infestation is tree damage in the form of defoliation of the canopy, coupled with actual silk bags which are spun from the foliage of the host plant by the caterpillar. The bagworms damage the trees by feeding on the foliage often causing severe defoliation. If bagworms are seen throughout your trees, heavy defoliation is likely to occur. The damage is often worst during mid-summer and continuing through early fall when leaves are still on the trees.
The best time for tree care regarding bagworm treatment is between spring and midsummer. This is the best time to treat because it’s also typically the height of infestation. If you are looking for a quick D.I.Y. project, picking bags off by hand can help slow the process of defoliation. However, this is not always feasible. A great option is to look for bags during the winter to identify plants that may need treatment the following year.
Click here to read Bob Vila's advice on how to get rid of bagworms. We’re here to help and create a plant health care plan which creates a best course of action for trees on your property. Long-term management is key to a create a yard full of healthy trees.
Check out our tree bugs page for more information!
