Bagworms are a common pest that can cause significant damage to trees, shrubs, and other plants. One common method for controlling bagworms is using insecticides, and Sevin is a popular choice for many gardeners.
Sevin, which contains the active ingredient carbaryl, is effective at controlling bagworms when applied at the right time.
In order to eliminate these pests, it’s crucial to target them during their feeding stage in June and July, as this is when the insecticide can effectively penetrate the bagworm’s protective encasement.
What is Sevin and How Does it Work
Sevin’s Active Ingredient: Carbaryl
Sevin is a popular insecticide containing the active ingredient Carbaryl. Carbaryl is a chemical compound used for controlling and managing various invasive pests, including bagworms.
Mechanism of Action
Carbaryl works by disrupting the normal function of an insect’s nervous system.
It acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor, which means it prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting nerve signals.
This accumulation of acetylcholine causes paralysis and eventually death of the pest.
Features of Sevin:
- Contains Carbaryl as an active ingredient
- Effective against a variety of pests
- Can be used in dilution with water
- Applied on the surface of soil and foliage
Characteristics of Carbaryl:
- Cholinesterase inhibitor
- Targets insect nervous system
- Causes paralysis and death in pests
Pros of using Sevin:
- Can control various invasive pests
- Suitable for use on different plants
- Can be applied in various ways, such as spraying or dusting
Cons of using Sevin:
- May not be suitable for organic gardening
- Potential concerns for human health and environmental impact
Here’s a comparison table of Sevin and another alternative, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), for bagworm control:
Insecticide | Active Ingredient | Mode of Action | Suitable for Organic Gardening | Environmental Impact |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sevin | Carbaryl | Cholinesterase Inhibitor | No | Moderate |
Bt | Bacillus | Biological Control | Yes | Low |
Does Sevin Kill Bagworms?
Impact on Bagworm Life Cycle
Sevin primarily targets caterpillars during their feeding stage as they consume the foliage treated with the insecticide.
Optimal Timing for Application
Insecticides like Sevin should be applied after the eggs have hatched and small bags are seen on the trees.
Typically, bagworm eggs hatch from late May or early to mid-June. The ideal time to spray Sevin is during the spring season when the larvae are active.
To ensure effectiveness against bagworms, it’s advisable to treat weekly for 4 to 5 weeks.
Comparison: Sevin vs Handpicking
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Sevin | Covers a wide area. | Assumes correct timing with the life cycle. |
Handpicking | No chemicals. Immediate results. | Time-consuming and labor-intensive. |
In summary, Sevin can be an effective solution for controlling bagworm infestations when used at the right time and applied consistently throughout the larvae feeding period.
Application and Usage of Sevin
Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate
Sevin is usually available in the market as Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate for use on Plants, Trees, Soil and Lawns
Proper Mixing Ratios and Sprayer Types
To use Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate, mix properly as follows:
- Mixing Ratio: 1.5 ounces of concentrate per gallon of water
- Sprayer Type: Use a pump or hose-end sprayer
Timing and Frequency for Best Results
For effective control of bagworms:
- Apply Sevin within a few days of eggs hatching in late May or early to mid-June
- Follow up applications every 7 days, up to 3 times per year
Note: Sevin only kills pests present at the time of application, for continuous control, apply as needed.
Alternative Bagworm Control Methods
Biological Controls: Bacillus Thuringiensis and Predators
Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt): A bacteria-based insecticide, Bt only affects certain insects and is safe for humans and animals.
It is effective against young bagworms but must be applied by mid-July1. Examples of Bt commercial brands include Dipel and Thuricide.
Predators: Certain predators can help control bagworm infestations. Examples of natural predators include ladybugs, bees, and wasps2.
Chemical Alternatives: Malathion, Spinosad, Permethrin, and Bifenthrin
- Malathion: Effective for various pests, including bagworms, spider mites, and aphids. Care should be taken to avoid harming bees and other beneficial insects3.
- Spinosad: An organic compound, spinosad controls pests while being gentle on beneficial insects and the environment4.
- Permethrin: Synthetic insecticide, permethrin, is effective for various pests like bagworms, spider mites, squash bugs, and scorpions5. Be cautious of its potential impact on beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs6.
- Bifenthrin: A broad-spectrum insecticide, bifenthrin controls numerous pests, but may affect bees and other beneficial insects. Talstar is one brand of bifenthrin7.
Possible chemical alternatives to Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate:
Insecticide | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Malathion | Effective for various pests | Harms bees, beneficial insects |
Spinosad | Organic, gentle on beneficial insects, environment | May be less effective on some pests |
Permethrin | Controls numerous pests | Harms bees, ladybugs, honey bees |
Bifenthrin | Broad-spectrum insecticide | Harms bees, beneficial insects |
Non-Chemical Approaches: Handpicking, Soapy Water, and Removing Infested Branches
Handpicking: Light infestations of bagworms can be controlled by handpicking the bags from infested plants and destroying them8. Bags should be removed before the eggs hatch in June9.
Soapy Water: When bags are found in trees, pick the bagworms off and drown them in a bucket of soapy water10. This technique works best before eggs hatch in June11.
Removing Infested Branches: Cut the bags off the branches with scissors and destroy them12. This works best when the bagworms are actively feeding and spinning their bags13.
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Impact on Beneficial Insects and Wildlife
Sevin, a product containing the active ingredient carbaryl, is used to control a wide variety of insects.
However, it can also affect beneficial insects like honey bees, leading to a reduction in their populations.
Gardeners should apply Sevin only when necessary and consider alternatives that have a lesser impact on helpful bugs and predators in their garden.
Some points regarding Sevin’s impact on beneficial insects and wildlife:
- Negatively impacts honey bees and other beneficial insects
- Can disrupt the balance of predators in the garden ecosystem
- Alternative insecticides might be less harmful to beneficial species
Risks to Humans and Pets
Carbaryl, the active ingredient in Sevin, has been associated with some health risks to humans and pets, such as skin irritations and nervous system disorders.
While Sevin is approved for use by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, it is crucial to follow the product’s safety guidelines, including wearing appropriate protective gear during application and keeping children and pets away from treated areas.
Key points to consider for humans and pets:
- Possible skin irritations
- Nervous system disorders
- Follow safety guidelines and precautions
Proper Storage and Disposal
Proper storage and disposal of Sevin are essential for minimizing its impact on the environment. Store Sevin in a secure and cool place, away from heat sources or open flames.
Dispose of unused product and empty containers according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local waste disposal regulations to prevent contamination of water sources, soil, and harm to wildlife.
Some points on storage and disposal:
- Store in a cool, secure place
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for disposal
- Adhere to local waste disposal regulations
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sevin is a brand of insecticide that can kill bagworms by contact and ingestion. It has ingredients like zeta-cypermethrin and bifenthrin that target the nervous system of insects.
Sevin can be applied as a dust, a spray, or a granule, depending on the size and location of the infestation. This product should be used with caution, as it may harm the environment and beneficial insects.
For best effect, use the product in May and early June when the eggs hatch, and apply as many times as necessary to remove the bagworms because it works on application but not afterward
Footnotes
- Bagworms on Trees and Shrubs – University of Maryland Extension ↩
- Alternative Biological Control Measures ↩
- Malathion – Pesticide Information Profile ↩
- Spinosad – Pesticide Information Profile ↩
- Permethrin – Pesticide Information Profile ↩
- Permethrin effects on bees and ladybugs ↩
- Bifenthrin – Pesticide Information Profile ↩
- How to control bagworms on spruce tree ↩
- Bagworm caterpillar feeding ↩
- Bagworms – Purdue University ↩
- Bagworm caterpillar feeding ↩
- Control Bagworms With Insecticides in June and July ↩
- Control Bagworms With Insecticides in June and July ↩