The Evergreen Bagworm

Show of hands... Who knows what this is? For those of you who know, it’s most likely due to the unfortunate damage to your evergreen shrubs/trees (although, in some cases deciduous trees as well). This is the Evergreen Bagworm or Common Bagworm; a moth in the Psychidae family. Evergreen bagworms prefer to feed on evergreens but may also choose deciduous shrubs/trees. The larvae creates a pine cone-like cocoon (called a pupal casing) that dangles from branches. These insects can, and will, severely damage your plants. The larvae are active throughout the summer and by August the larvae have neared completion of their cocoons/pupal casing. The larvae will overwinter in their cocoons/pupal cases and emerge the following May. This is to say the majority of damage has already been committed.. until next year. The best & cheapest way to rid your plants of these insects is by hand picking/removing. You will want to consider destroying them as to prevent them from coming back the next year and causing more damage to your trees or shrubs. Bagworms have natural predators such as birds and other insects that help to keep their populations in check. Interestingly enough, all females are born wingless. The female hangs from the cocoon and releases pheromones to attract males (who have wings). Once mated, she stops releasing the scent and lays eggs. #EvergreenBagworms are #destructive but #oddly #fascinating.