Bag worms

[Tono]

I just realized these have covered one arborvitae. They have already attached their silk lined sleeping bags to the branches and most have closed the hatch, getting ready to lay eggs I guess.

Yes, I searched google and found a million posts, but didn't find what to do if you have just discovered them this time of year. I have picked off one or two hundred bags. Dropped them in a bucket of water with a lot of bleach. Not a friendly death, but what can one do?

My concern is what about all the ones I missed? I read up to 2000 eggs per sack! I don't like to use poison, but will use it if I have to. It seems like it will do the best if I wait for spring/summer for them to hatch, then spray. I don't know if using any spray now will get to them inside their sack?

All help appreciated, Tono SouthEastern PA zone 6

[SugarChile]

I had these one year, on the arborvitae and the hinoki cypress. I picked all of them that I could reach; I might have missed a few. The next year there were a few bags, and I picked them as well. I haven't seen any since. So based on my experience, I would rank handpicking as an effective method of control.

I think you are right in your assumption that they are only vulnerable to pesticides for a short period in the spring. Your local extension office should have the information on how to time that if you feel you need it. See:

other words, don't panic.

Cheers, Sue [e-mail] Zone 6, Southcentral PA

[Rusty]

I discovered bag worms on our leyland cypress. I didn't realize what they were at first. I called Lawn Dr. and they sprayed them with sevin. It seems to have done the trick. They were very active and now there is no activity. Hope that helps. Rusty

[Chris Owens]

Wait until the worms emerge in spring, and spray with pyrethrin. That and diligent bag removal should be all you need.

Chris Owens

T>