If you had problems with bagworms last season, now is the time to inspect for the tiny bags and treat, if necessary. They should be large enough to see by now without having done damage. Practice your observational skills. Early treatment avoids defoliation and is more effective against early instar caterpillars. This is especially true if you use Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) products. If you only have a few bagworms, handpicking them always works well. For more information on bagworms, see Ornamental and Turf Insect Note No. 81 on the web at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/trees/ort081e/ort081e.htm.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
