How to Get Rid of Bagworms Naturally: Effective Home Solutions

Bagworms, also known as Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, are a common pest that can wreak havoc on your garden and landscape.

These destructive creatures feed on a variety of ornamental plants, spinning cone-shaped bags from silk and embedding them with debris from their host plants as they grow.

Noticing the telltale bags on your trees and shrubs is an indicator that it’s time to take action.

Fortunately, there are natural methods to control and eliminate bagworms in your garden without resorting to harsh chemicals.

In the following article, we will explore various eco-friendly options for dealing with these pests, ensuring that your plants remain healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season.

So, let’s dive right in and learn how to get rid of bagworms naturally, protecting our beloved gardens from harm.

Understanding Bagworms

Life Cycle

Bagworms, or Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, are the larval stage of a moth species. Their life cycle begins when eggs hatch around May in central regions¹.

The newly hatched larvae immediately create small, 1/8-inch cocoon-like bags from silk and plant materials for protection². As they grow, their bags expand, eventually reaching 1½ to 2½ inches long³.

Adult bagworms emerge in late summer, with males developing into brown, fuzzy moths capable of flying⁴.

Females, however, remain wingless and stay inside their bags to lay eggs⁵. The next generation hatches the following spring to continue the cycle⁶.

Signs of Infestation

Infestations become evident when many cone-shaped bags on your trees’ branches⁷.

These can often appear brown and blend in with the surrounding foliage, making them difficult to spot⁸.

Additionally, affected trees may exhibit defoliation or dying branches, and evergreen trees may show brown, damaged needles⁹.

Commonly Affected Trees and Shrubs

Bagworms have a wide range of host plants, making them common landscape pests. The types of trees and shrubs they tend to infest include:

• Pine¹⁰
• Juniper¹¹
• Cedar¹²
• Arborvitae¹³
• Oak¹⁴
• Maple¹⁵
• Locust¹⁶
• Willow¹⁷
• Evergreen trees¹⁸

While bagworms mainly target evergreen species, they can harm deciduous trees as well¹⁹.

Monitoring and early treatment play a crucial role in preventing severe damage to your plants.

How to Get Rid of Bagworms Naturally

Birds as Predators

Attracting birds like sparrows, titmice, chickadees, and nuthatches can help control bagworm populations.

These birds are natural predators of bagworms, feeding on them in their larval stage. You can attract these birds by providing birdhouses, feeders, and water sources.

Handpicking and Removal

Handpicking and removing bagworms is an effective way to control their population.

This method works best during the fall, winter, and spring when bagworms are less active. Simply pick off the bags from infested trees¹.

Remember to:

• Destroy the picked bags
• Dispose of them in the trash

Introducing Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators, like Trichogramma wasps and ichneumonid wasps, can help manage bagworm populations.

These wasps target bagworm eggs and larvae, keeping the infestation under control.

Pros:

• Natural and chemical-free
• Aids in maintaining ecological balance

Cons:

• May not work as fast as chemical treatments

Moth-Repelling Plants

Planting moth-repelling plants, such as lavender and marigold, can help deter adult bagworm moths from laying eggs on your trees and plants.

These plants emit a scent that moths find unappealing, keeping them away from your foliage.

Managing Outdoor Lights

Reducing or managing outdoor lighting can help control bagworm populations.

Bagworm moths are attracted to lights at night, so lowering the brightness or using specialized bulbs can discourage them from laying eggs near light sources.

• Use dimmer lights in outdoor spaces
• Opt for yellow, sodium vapor lights instead of white lights

Using Natural Insecticides

Bacillus Thuringiensis

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring bacteria that acts as an effective insecticide against bagworms.

When ingested, Bt releases a toxin that destroys the digestive system of the bagworm larvae¹. Some pros and cons of using Bt include:

Pros:

• Safe for humans, pets, and beneficial insects
• Biodegradable and environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Requires proper timing (must be used during larval stage)
• Can be washed away by rain

Neem Oil

Neem oil is another effective natural option that helps control bagworm infestations².

Extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, it works by disrupting the insect’s feeding and growth habits. Some advantages and disadvantages of using neem oil include:

Pros:

• Acts as an insecticide and repellent
• Safe for beneficial insects

Cons:

• May require multiple applications
• Can cause injury to some plant species

Soapy Water Solution

A simple solution of water and dish soap can help remove bagworms from infested plants manually³.

The soapy water suffocates the bagworms and makes picking them off easier. However, care should be taken to avoid damaging the plant with excessive soap⁴.

Pros:

• Cost-effective and readily available
• Easy to apply

Cons:

• May damage plants if not properly diluted
• Requires manual removal of bagworms

Comparing the three natural insecticides:

Additional Tips and Considerations

Timing and Application

It’s crucial to act at the right moment for effective bagworm control. In general, you should start managing bagworms during their larval stage in early spring.

Applying treatments while caterpillars are young will yield better results.

Handpicking is a viable option during winter, while the use of neem oil or chemical-based insecticides is advised for early spring applications.

Dealing with Large Infestations

For significant infestations, consider using more aggressive methods, such as chemical-based insecticides. However, we will not suggest using them unless the situation is drastic.

Pros:

• Effective in exterminating bagworms
• Works well for large-scale infestations

Cons:

• Can be harmful to beneficial insects
• Potentially dangerous for pets if not used carefully

Some of the commonly used chemical insecticides include malathion, diazinon, and carbaryl.

Safeguarding Pets

To keep your pets safe while dealing with bagworm infestations, follow these guidelines:

• Keep pets away from treated areas until the chemicals have dried.
• Choose pet-friendly insecticides, like neem oil.
• Use natural predators, such as woodpeckers, to control bagworm populations.

Remember that preventing bagworm infestations is more manageable than treating them.

Regularly inspect your plants for signs of bagworms, and remove any cocoons or debris to deter their growth.

Comparison Table: Neem Oil vs. Chemical Insecticides

Conclusion

To summarize, Bagworms can be controlled by using various natural methods, such as hand-picking, pruning, spraying with water or soap, introducing beneficial insects or bacteria, or applying organic products like neem oil or diatomaceous earth.

These methods are effective, safe, and eco-friendly. Application of these natural repellants and insecticides varies with agent, as is described in the article above.

Footnotes

1. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/bagworms-trees-and-shrubs ↩ ↩² ↩³
2. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2149-10 ↩ ↩²
3. Ibid. ↩ ↩²
4. https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/ce/resources/ce-how-to-control-bagworms.pdf ↩ ↩²
5. Ibid. ↩
6. Ibid. ↩
7. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/bagworms ↩
8. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2149-10 ↩
9. https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-27/E-27.html ↩
10. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/bagworms ↩
11. Ibid. ↩
12. Ibid. ↩
13. Ibid. ↩
14. Ibid. ↩
15. Ibid. ↩
16. Ibid. ↩
17. Ibid. ↩
18. Ibid. ↩
19. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/bagworms-trees-and-shrubs ↩