The Eastern Red Cedar is a well-known conifer tree that thrives year-round in U.S. hardiness zones two through nine. Because of their low maintenance, ease of growth, high survival, and aesthetic rewards, Eastern Red Cedars are popular landscaping trees for both residential and commercial properties. However, they are highly susceptible to a particular type of pest infestation, thus giving them the colloquial name, “bagworm trees.” Continue reading to learn how bagworm infestations affect Eastern Red Cedar trees, and what you can do to solve the problem.

What are Bagworms?

Bagworms are highly invasive insect species that, in large numbers, have the ability to take down large Eastern Red Cedar trees in a short amount of time. Unlike traditional worms, they hatch in late spring as tiny caterpillars. In their caterpillar state, they weave a thin silk thread that carries them with the wind to another host plant. During this time, they generally attach and feed off of Juniper, Cypress, and Arborvitae trees, while also constructing their silk bag portable home, which looks similar to a dunce cap. Once they grow larger, they begin to attack trees such as Eastern Red Cedars, Italian Cypress, Arborvitae, and more.

The bagworm’s home is an interesting and distinctive feature of the species. They construct it on top of themselves, with their feet and mouths at the opening for feeding. They then decorate their houses overtime, using pieces from their host tree. They use leaves and needles as shingles, and even an occasional berry on top! This is how they disguise themselves from predators.

By September, bagworms are done feeding, and will begin to prepare for winter. They do this by sealing their homes and entering into a month-long pupae stage. After this pupae stage, males emerge as a 1-inch long black moth with clear wings, while females transform into an egg producing grub with no wings, legs, antennae, or functional mouthparts. After males fertilize the females, the females lay up to 1000 eggs inside their sealed home, and then die. The eggs hatch in late spring, between April and May.

Treatment for Bagworm Infestations

The best treatment for a bagworm infestation is manual bag removal followed by a cycle of insecticide applications. A spray application of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) on the foliage of the host tree is the general insecticide treatment used to control bagworm infestations. You will need to contact a local arborist for professional tree inspection, assessment, and treatment.

Fishers Tree Service

Call 317-537-9770 for Fishers tree service you can trust. We are experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of commercial and residential tree services, from routine tree care to major tree work, and everything in between. On top of the most competitive prices in town, we also offer tree service coupons and discounts. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate, today.