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Tim Waller, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
( May 24, 2023)
Source: plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/get-ready-for-bagworms-now/
Bagworms should begin hatching NOW through – 4 weeks in NJ, beginning in the southern regions.
Now is an optimal time to get this pest on your radar and prepare materials or approaches to attack first/second instar caterpillars. The control window for this pest is typically between 600-900 GDD50 when they begin to hatch and become airborne, i.e. the “ballooning” phase.
It is important to check for egg-hatch prior to applications for greatest chemical efficacy, and to continue scouting as they often hatch and develop at asynchronous rates. It is critical to target these insects EARLY!
Bagworm management
Mechanical: If eggs have not hatched: hand-remove sacs/bags. Typically female / egg filled sacs are higher in the canopy so keep that in mind while scouting. This removes the problem
from the field or landscape.
Treatment options for Lepidoptera (caterpillars) to have at the ready: B.t. (Bacillus
thuringiensis), spinosad , bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, carbaryl, chlorantraniliprole, cyclaniliprole, cyclaniliprole + flonicamid, Lambda-cyhalothrin, cyantraniliprole, Indoxacarb.
NOTE: Lethal pesticide doses are important, as sub-lethal doses can trigger early pupation, making the pest all but invincible to chemical or biological treatments. Follow label exactly.
IT IS CRITICAL TO ROTATE MATERIALS (Rotate between IRAC groups)
DISCLAIMER: The label is the law, always refer to it for allowable host crops, use-restrictions, application
rates, reapplication intervals, re-entry intervals (REI), and mix compatibility information. Production
and pesticide information on this site are for private/commercial pesticide applicators and landscape
professionals only, and are NOT for home gardener use. Provided materials represent examples and do
not cover all possible control scenarios. Please contact your local agent or chemical sales representative
for more information or to discuss additional pest management options.
