How to Get Rid of Bagworms in the Garden

Here are the most effective ways on How to Get Rid of Bagworms in the Garden for good! Read ahead to keep them away from your plants!

Bagworms can wreck a lot of trouble to the plants if not taken care of timely. If you want to know How to Get Rid of Bagworms in the Garden, then we have got your back!

Are Bagworms harmful to humans? Find out here

What are Bagworms?

Bagworms are pesky caterpillars that make 2-inches long, spindle-like bags on plants. They feed on the foliage and stems, causing defoliation, yellowing of leaves, and sometimes can even kill the whole plant. Mostly, bagworms feed on juniper, pine, arborvitae, cedar, spruce, and small shrubs and bushes.

Female bagworms remain in the bag throughout their lifespan and can produce up to 500-1000 eggs in the bags. The larvae come out of the bags and start feeding on the leaves.

How to Get Rid of Bagworms in the Garden?

1. Pick them Manually

As they are harmless to humans, you can easily pick them up by hand. This can only work if the infestation is less. Once you have collected them, drop them in a soapy water solution. This will kill them instantly.

2. Invite Birds to Your Garden

Birds are the natural enemies of bagworms as they feast on these worms. Invite birds in your garden by creating a birdbath or birdfeed. You can also attract them by growing pollen, tubular, or nectar-rich flowering plants like hibiscus, datura, lilies, monarda, and ixora.

3. Chemical Control

If the infestation has become widespread, consider using insecticides like carbaryl and permethrin. These chemicals are readily available at garden centers and nursery shops.

The best time to use pesticides is from mid-June to mid-July, when the bagworms hatch and larvae are coming out of their bags. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label.

4. Biological Control

Bacillus thuringiensis, or BT, is a bacteria that is found in the soil. It produces a protein that is toxic for certain herbivorous insects, including bagworms.  You can purchase it from a garden center and use it during mid-June.

This method poses no harmful effect on humans or animals.