08/13/2026
I'm seeing this everywhere this summer! Do you want to know what is causing this and how to control it on your evergreen shrubs?
Bagworms!!!!!!!!!!
Bagworms are a highly destructive caterpillar pest that can severely damage or completely kill landscape plants across Arkansas. Early intervention is paramount. Because these pests construct tough, silken bags heavily camouflaged with bits of their host plant's foliage, infestations often go entirely unnoticed until severe defoliation occurs.
The most reliable sign of a bagworm infestation is the presence of spindle-shaped or carrot-shaped bags dangling from plant branches. Bagworms have a strong preference for needled evergreens, particularly Arborvitae, Junipers, Cedars, and Spruce. Initial feeding causes a thinning canopy or a "bronzed," brown appearance on evergreens. Because evergreens do not readily regenerate needles, heavy infestations can kill branches or the entire plant in a single season.
Bagworms produce only one generation per year in Arkansas, making timing the single most critical factor for successful management. During the late summer (August to September), the winged adult males emerge to mate with the wingless, caterpillar-like females who never leave their bags. After mating, the female fills her bag with 500 to 1,000 eggs and dies. These eggs overwinter securely inside the mother's bag. In Arkansas, the eggs hatch from mid-May through mid-June. Upon hatching, the tiny larvae crawl out or spin silken threads to "balloon" on the wind to nearby plants.
For small trees, minor infestations, or isolated shrubs, mechanical removal is the most economical and effective option. Handpicking should be done during the late fall, winter, or early spring before the eggs hatch in May. Use shears to clip the tough silken loop attaching the bag to the twig. Drop the bags directly into a bucket of soapy water to destroy them, or burn them. Do not simply pull them off and drop them on the ground. The eggs inside dropped bags will still hatch in the spring and crawl back up to reinfest your landscape. Do not compost them, as they can survive the pile. Once bagworm larvae hatch and begin feeding, mechanical removal becomes impractical for large infestations. Chemical controls are highly effective, but only if applied when the larvae are young and vulnerable (typically from late May through mid-June in central and northern Arkansas). As the caterpillars grow larger into July and August, they consume less food, close their bags to molt or pupate, and become virtually immune to standard contact insecticides. When applying a foliar spray, thoroughly soak the entire canopy. The caterpillars must ingest the treated foliage for the most effective control types to work.
Recommended insecticides for homeowners include
*Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Bonide Thuricide, Ferti-Lome Dipel Dust) an effective biological control that is organic.
*bifenthrin (Ferti-lome Broad Spectrum Insecticide, Hi-Yield Bug Blaster Bifenthrin, Ortho MAX Pro)
*bifenthrin + zeta-cypermethrin (Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Lawn & Landscape)
*carbaryl (Bonide Complete Fruit Tree Spray, GardenTech Sevin Concentrate Bug Killer)
*beta cyfluthrin + imidacloprid (Bayer Advanced Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer Ready-To-Use)
*cyfluthrin (Bayer Advanced Vegetable & Garden Insect Spray Concentrate)
*malathion (various)
*spinosad (Bonide Captain-Jacks Deadbug Concentrate, Monterey Garden Insect Spray, Natural Guard Brand By Ferti-lome Spinosad Bagworm, Tent Caterpillar and Chewing Insect Control)
All chemical information provided is given with the understanding that no endorsement of named products is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products that are not mentioned. Individuals who use pesticides are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Before purchasing or using any pesticide, always read and carefully follow the label directions.
