This Bagworm Is A Silent Threat To Your Trees

Anyone who’s ever had an issue with an Evergreen Bagworm infestation knows the devastation they bring to trees. The poor trees become increasingly sparse in their pine needle distribution until they eventually lose them all and die. This is a sad end to the beautiful evergreen trees we all love. Thankfully, there are ways to save your trees if you know what to do.

The larvae go through several molts as they grow, shedding their skin each time to accommodate their expanding size. A new bag is built for each instar, or stage, of growth. Late summer or early fall is when bagworm larvae typically reach their final instar. The larvae have reached this stage, which lasts for about six weeks, and are prepared to pupate. Within the protective case, the moth changes from its larval stage to its adult stage. Invisibly hidden, the pupae grow inside the bagworm cases. By making a circular opening in the case, the adult moths crawl out after about two weeks. The larger, wingless female moths stay close to the original tree, while the males, which are darker, smaller, and have clearer wings, fly off in search of females.