Bagworms are a common nuisance that plants in Tennessee often struggle with as they cause extensive damage if left to their own devices. These pests are serious defoliators and can even kill your plants if an infestation is left untreated. They are most problematic during the summer, as this is when they hatch and start feeding on your trees and shrubs. If you suspect a bagworm infestation, it's crucial to contact professionals and schedule a curative treatment as soon as possible to stop them in their tracks. You should also invest in a tree and shrub care program to protect your plants from bagworms in the future, which typically includes preventative insecticide treatments and fertilization to keep them strong and resilient to stressors.

What are bagworms, and what kind of damage do they cause?

Bagworm on an evergreen in Memphis, TN.

Bagworms are small, destructive caterpillars that feed on the foliage of trees and shrubs. They get their name from the protective silk 'bags' they create, which they use as a mobile home. These bags are made from silk and plant materials like leaves and twigs. As bagworms continue to grow, they remain inside the bags, with only their heads and bodies extending outside to continue feeding.

These moth larvae are voracious eaters, and they are not picky with what type of tree or shrub to infest. From junipers and cedars to arborvitae and even boxwood shrubs, bagworms will feed on them. This large appetite is what's problematic about these pests. Bagworms cause significant damage to your plants by defoliating them, weakening their overall health, and even killing them if left unchecked.

Bagworms can be hard to spot because they blend in with the foliage and look like tiny pine cones!

When do bagworms become most problematic?

Bagworms become most problematic during the summer months, typically from June to August. During this time, the eggs hatch, and the larvae begin to feed on the foliage of your trees and shrubs. As they grow, they continue to consume more leaves, causing significant damage to your plants. Around the middle of summer, you might be able to notice the bags that they create on your trees.

What should you do if you notice signs of bagworms on your plants?

If you notice signs of bagworms on your plants, such as defoliation or the presence of the characteristic silk 'bags,' it's crucial to act quickly. Bagworms can cause significant damage to your trees and shrubs, so it's important to contact professionals and schedule a curative treatment as soon as possible. They have the expertise and equipment needed to effectively eliminate the bagworm infestation and prevent further damage to your plants.

In addition to addressing the current infestation, you should also invest in a tree and shrub care program to protect your plants from bagworms in the future. These programs typically include preventative insecticide treatments to prevent infestations before they become a problem. They also include fertilizer treatments to keep your plants strong and resilient to stressors, such as bagworm infestations.

Call us today to schedule our tree and shrub care services!

At Picture Perfect Landscapes, we understand the importance of maintaining the health and beauty of your trees and shrubs. That's why we offer a comprehensive tree and shrub disease and insect control service to protect your plants from pests like bagworms. Additionally, we offer a tree and shrub care program that includes not only disease and insect control treatments but fertilizer applications, too. This way, your plants will not only have protection from pests and harmful pathogens but also have the nutrients they need to thrive. This program is offered to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Memphis, Midtown Memphis, East Memphis, TN, and throughout the surrounding areas. Call us today at (901) 246-7656 to schedule our tree and shrub care services!