Sasha CampbellMany people think bagworms are a Christmas tree issue, but they can be a problem for homeowners and gardeners all year round. However, there are natural methods you can use to eliminate an infestation.
This post will discuss bagworms, how to identify them, and natural ways to get rid of them.
Damage
When populations are high, mature bagworms can cause significant damage to plants [1]. They eat the leaves of pine, spruce, juniper, and arborvitae.
They don’t just eat the leaves, though; bagworms may also eat the buds of plants.
Identification
Bagworms are small plant pests that can be hard to identify.
They can grow up to 1/2 inch in length and are either green or brown. They are often confused with caterpillars, but their distinctive cocoons look like bags.
Look for cone-like, brown-colored growths hanging from trees to identify bagworms.
These pests can look similar to tiny pine cones on evergreen trees. However, those on deciduous trees may appear as dried leafy growths hanging from the branches.
The larva can use its legs to move across surfaces and drag the case around like a snail. These cases are made during the larval stage, which is when most people first notice them.
The bags will contain the female adult’s pupal case, where the eggs are kept. You may find these bags on your yard’s ceilings, walls, or surfaces. You may see them attached to trees, twigs, or plants with a piece of silk.
The adult male bagworm moths look dark and hairy, with a wingspan of about 1 inch [2]. Adult plaster bagworm moths can also be seen. They are usually dark gray and have 3 to 4 spots on their front wings.
What about the eggs? The female produces eggs in her pupal bag not long after mating. These eggs are smooth and cylindrical, covered with a waxy, tuft-like layer. They also appear in masses.
If you are unsure whether you have bagworms, take pictures of the infestation and send them to an expert.
How to Get Rid of Bagworms Naturally
There are many DIY home remedies and organic ways to control bagworms in your yard and home. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common and effective methods.
1. Hand Pick
Hand-picking bagworms from plants or trees is one of the easiest ways to control them. Although this can be time-consuming, it is the best way to get rid of them.
Ensure that you get every cocoon because if you leave one, it can lead to another generation of bagworms.
Also, be sure that you thoroughly check all affected trees and plants for the bags. If you don’t remove them, they can hatch into new bagworms.
After removing them, put them in a container and pour hot water or vinegar.
2. Remove Debris From Under Trees
Prevent bagworms from maturing by simply raking up the leaves under your trees.
This will remove eggs and larvae. However, be sure to dispose of all debris correctly, either by burning it or by sealing it in a bag and disposing of the bag.
3. Soap and Water
Yes, you can also kill bagworms using soap and water. All you’ll need is a bucket of plain, soapy water.
After picking off the bagworms, submerge them in the soapy water. Once the bags are soaked, the eggs inside will suffocate.
4. Bacillus thuringiensis
Bacillus thuringiensis (or Bt) is a natural bacterium that controls certain pests. It attacks bagworms’ digestive systems, causing them to die.
BT can be purchased in spray or powder form. It is often found at garden centers or online. Follow the directions carefully before using.
It is an excellent alternative to chemical-based insecticides and is safe for pet owners or children.
5. Predatory Birds
Predatory birds like chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, sparrows, and titmice can quickly eliminate bagworms.
Attract these predatory birds to your yard. They will happily eat the bagworm cocoons on the trees.
6. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a popular remedy for eliminating pests such as whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites. This natural pesticide is also effective against young bagworm larvae.
Mix one and a half teaspoons of neem oil with half a teaspoon of liquid soap and a quart of water to make a homemade spray for bagworms. Next, spray it on affected plants to treat the bagworms.
Alternatively, you can buy neem oil concentrate at most garden centers or online. It is one of the best insecticides for bagworm infestations.
7. Trichogramma Wasps
Using Trichogramma wasps is another organic method to get rid of moth eggs.
Trichogramma wasps, tiny parasitic wasps, will lay their eggs in the eggs of bagworms. The larvae feed on the larvae of the bagworms, stopping the infestation once the eggs hatch.
These parasitic wasps can be purchased at specific garden centers or online. They are also very easy to handle.
You can release them around the plants infested with these pests, and they will care for everything else.
8. Spinosad
Spinosad is also an effective and natural remedy for these pests. It works against many pests, including bagworms.
You can purchase spinosad in concentrated form. Follow the directions on the bottle to apply it correctly.
Many people use spinosad as an organic bagworm treatment.
9. Moth-Repelling Plants
While this may sound far-fetched, some plants repel moths naturally.
Plants that repel moths include rosemary, thyme, chrysanthemum, citronella, marigold, eucalyptus, and lemongrass. Plant them in various locations around your yard to help keep bagworms away.
10. Bug Zapper
A bug zapper is an effective way to get rid of bagworm moths. The traps have an electrical grid that shocks the moths to death.
Although the light doesn’t generate heat, it attracts moths. A solar-powered zapper can be used indoors or outdoors.
11. Turn Off Outdoor Lights
If you can discourage the moths from coming to your property, you will have fewer bagworms to deal with later.
Moths love light, especially at night when the sky is dark. Your outdoor lights are the only light sources they can see.
Therefore, turn off your patio lights where possible and all unnecessary lights.
12. Vacuum Them
A handheld or cordless vacuum cleaner can quickly and easily remove bagworms from your house.
Vacuum regularly to remove bagworms’ protective cases. Pay special attention to ceilings, walls, and corners.
Empty your vacuum bag or canister afterward.
Takeaway
Bagworms can be a serious problem for trees and shrubs. However, as you can see, there are many eco-friendly methods for keeping them away from plants and homes.
Try a few to see which ones work best for you.
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