Kansas State University

–by Dr Raymond Cloyd

It is the time of year you have all been waiting for, that is, dealing with that

“infamous” of insect pests known as the bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis). Throughout Kansas, bagworm eggs have hatched and the young caterpillars (“munching machines”) are out-and-about feeding on both broadleaf and evergreen trees and shrubs. Bagworms were first considered a pest of conifers but over the years they have expanded their host range to include a number of broadleaf plants, including: rose, honeylocust, and flowering plum. So, what is the best way to deal with bagworm caterpillars and thus prevent them from causing damage? Hand-picking any small caterpillars (along with their accompanying bag) and placing them into a container of soapy water will kill them directly. This practice, if feasible, will quickly remove populations before they can cause substantial plant damage. I recommend that everyone should consider having a weekend “bagworm hand-picking party” with prizes awarded to those individuals that collect the most bags J. These “bagworm hand-picking parties” will be a way to enhance family quality time J.

For those less interested in hand-picking, there are a number of insecticides labeled for use against bagworms including those with the following active ingredients (trade name in parentheses): acephate (Orthene), Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Dipel/Thuricide), cyfluthrin (Tempo), lambda-cyhalothrin (Scimitar), trichlorfon (Dylox), indoxacarb (Provaunt), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn), and spinosad (Conserve). Many of these active ingredients are commercially available and sold under different trade names or as generic products. However, several insecticides may not be directly available to homeowners. The key to dealing with bagworms when using insecticides is to apply early and frequently enough in order to kill the highly susceptible young caterpillars that are feeding aggressively on plant foliage (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Older caterpillars that develop later in the season, in the bags (Figure 2), are typically more difficult to kill with insecticides. In addition, females feed less as they prepare for reproduction; thus, reducing their susceptibility to spray applications and any residues. The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki is active on young caterpillars; however, the active ingredient must be consumed to be effective, so thorough coverage of all plant parts and frequent applications are required to avoid having to deal with later life stages.

Figure 2

This compound is sensitive to ultra-violet light degradation and rainfall, which reduces residual activity. Spinosad is the active ingredient in a number of homeowner products, including: Borer, Bagworm, Tent Caterpillar & Leafminer Spray; Captain Jack’s DeadBug Brew; and Monterey Garden Insect Spray. These products work by contact and ingestion (stomach poison) although they are most effective when ingested and can be used against older or larger bagworm caterpillars (Figure 3).

Figure 3

Cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, trichlorfon, chlorantraniliprole, and indoxacarb may be used against both the young and the older caterpillars. However, thorough coverage of all plant parts, especially the tops of trees and shrubs, where bagworms commonly start feeding, and frequent applications are required. The reason why multiple applications will be needed when bagworms are first detected is because bagworms “blow in” (called ‘ballooning’) from neighboring plants. If left unchecked, bagworms can cause significant damage, thus ruining the aesthetic quality of plants. In addition, they may actually kill plants, especially evergreens since they do not usually produce another flush of growth, and newly transplanted small plants.

If you have any questions regarding the management bagworms contact your county horticultural agent, or university-based or state extension entomologist.