Read below for a comprehensive guide to remove bagworms from trees
Bagworms are Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis that hang from limbs in brown, bag-like cases. These are made by caterpillars from dried pieces of leaves and stems and are long. Bagworms defoliate the tree, weaken, or kill it. Fortunately, there are various methods to remove bagworms from trees. We have discussed five of them here.
Manual Removal Of Bagworms
- It is possible to manually remove bagworms from smaller trees and shrubs by plucking them with a hand. These cocoon bags are then destroyed. This is purely an organic approach to stop the infestation and does not require special equipment.
However, you may have to hire professionals for tall branches as tall branches require a ladder or equipment. Late fall to spring is the best time to remove the bags. This helps ensure the removal of eggs before they get a chance to hatch.
Take Help From Natural Predators
- When a tree is lightly infested, this is not much of a problem, as birds and insect predators eat the young caterpillars. Sometimes, woodpeckers can even break the bags to eat the worms inside.
In addition, sparrows are also natural predators that prey on bagworms. This type of predation can be encouraged by making your landscape bird-friendly. Furthermore, avoiding pesticides that kill predator insects is also helpful.
Spray Your Trees With Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt)
- Spraying your trees with Bt. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium that naturally occurs in soil. It preys on the caterpillars, causes them to become sick, and ultimately kills them. In late May or early June, young worms hatch and emerge from the bags. This is the best time to spray with Bt. Consult an arborist to determine the best timing and the recommended bacterium strain to spray.
Use Chemical Spray
- Chemical control should be reserved for more severe bagworm infestations. Chemical control involves the use of synthetic chemical pesticides on valuable landscape trees. Acephate, cyfluthrin, and spinosad are recommended chemicals for spraying trees.
These chemicals are minimally toxic to humans and mammals but highly toxic to bees and insects. Therefore, they should be applied in limited amounts only on windless, dry days. This helps the spray dry quickly and prevents it from spreading with the breeze.
Preventing Bagworms
- Bagworms thrive in hot and humid conditions. Although they exist in the entire U.S., they are common in the Southeast and eastern areas of the U.S. Since bagworms commonly attach to weaker trees, keeping your trees and plants healthy is the best preventive measure against them.
In agricultural areas where the use of pesticides is high and frequent, bagworms are a severe problem. This is because the pesticides destroy the predatory insects leaving the spread of bagworms unchecked.
Inspect Regularly
Regularly inspect your trees and branches to spot small bagworms. Small bagworms indicate a building infestation. They are easily removed by hand to prevent the risk of a severe infestation. In addition, when buying new trees and shrubs, carefully inspect the branches to ensure they are not infested.
This will prevent you from bringing the infested plants into your landscape. Moreover, limiting pesticides around your trees will encourage natural predators to keep bagworms at bay and prevent serious problems.
At American Tree Experts, Inc., we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our pest management services ensure that your trees are protected from pests throughout the year. Our most sought services are pruning, bracing, pest management, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.
Untrimmed and overgrown branches can make your property look shabby and unmaintained. However, regular trimming can shape your trees while providing optimal nutrients and creating a tidy appearance. This makes your landscape look naturally beautiful and enhances the property’s curb appeal. In addition, well-kept, aesthetically pleasing trees increase the property’s sale value.
An arborist beautifies trees in homes, parks, and sidewalks. Therefore, an arborist is expected to work diligently to avoid complaints. The work of an arborist should contain minimum errors. Regardless of the type of service you are seeking, whether it is tree shaping, cabling, pruning, pest management, or removal, a successful arborist should be able to do it all without making mistakes.
The best time to fertilize trees is before their active growth begins in early spring. However, some experts suggest that late fall is a better time to fertilize trees. On the other hand, some people take the middle road by fertilizing their trees in early spring and late fall. This may be optional for most trees. Therefore, the best thing to do is to consult an arborist to determine the right time to fertilize your trees.
It is crucial to consult with an arborist and opt for professional services if you are considering tree removal. An arborist will provide information about the tree’s health and the best way to remove it. In addition, an arborist will provide insight into the potential impacts of tree removal on the adjoining properties.
Cleaning dead, broken, and diseased branches of trees during trimming is called crown cleaning. It can be done as a part of crown raising, thinning, or reduction. Another plus about crown cleaning is that it can be performed any time. Crown cleaning helps strengthen the overall tree. Furthermore, it prevents potential damage to the tree and surrounding property and increases the safety of the landscaping.
Wild animals such as deer and Bambi can feed on the twigs and bark of the young trees. Deer are particularly bold and cause significant damage in less time. Keeping wild animals away from your landscape can be challenging. Anti-deer fencing, motion-activated lights, or repellents help keep the animals away from your trees.
Green giant arborvitae trees are popular in commercial as well as residential areas. They are large, dark green trees that grow in a cone shape. They can grow in various climates and handle strong winds, drought, and harsh weather.
Tree removal is a complex and risky task that experienced arborists should only attempt with appropriate equipment. A typical suburban gum tree weighs anywhere from 5 to 10 tons. If it falls unsafely, the weight could crush the home or property. Thus, creating chaos and leading to injury or even death. In addition, the branches could fall in an uncontrolled way onto people.
Regular pruning is crucial for the optimal health of a tree. A well-shaped tree can be maintained by pruning the trees annually. Avoid over-pruning or neglecting some branches. Generally, no more than 30% of the plant should be removed. Over-pruning can remove significant portions of the plant’s nutrient reserves and cause permanent damage.