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How to treat Tent Caterpillars and Bagworms on Your Pecan Tree

6/13/2018

21 Comments

 
Tent caterpillars and bagworms tend to start showing up in summer and keep coming until fall. Early on they will form an infestation like the one shown below. Later you will see silky encasings either across your tree or hanging in a bag. These can be a problem for your pecan trees. You can also find these worms on a number of other trees and shrubs. If you notice a large mass of caterpillars or bagworms, treat them before they have a chance to move up your tree to harder to reach places. Some options for treatment are BT, carbaryl, or Malathion. Read the label before using any pesticide to make sure your variety of tree is listed.
Picture of tent caterpillars on a pecan tree in Prairieville Louisiana
If you are noticing caterpillars and bagworms later on in their life cycle, you should get a hold of a tree care professional. Pressurized spray equipment is usually needed to reach high locations on the tree. Large worm bags need to be removed from the tree completely. If you are set on doing it yourself, try to remove as many bags as you can and throw them away in a sealed bag. If you can't quite remove higher bags, damage them or at least puncture them. Put a bird feeder near the base of the tree to attract birds. The birds will not kill all of the caterpillars, but they will knock down the population some.

If you are in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or somewhere in Louisiana between, contact Big Bark Tree Care to take care of your trees.

21 Comments
Luis Adrian link
6/23/2020 10:36:19 am

I need help to get rid of worm infestation on mt pecan trees. I am south Texas near Corpus Christi. Have this problem every year.

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jane ellen dugan
9/24/2022 08:26:04 pm

i spray with dawn and water and it kills them within 2 minutes

Reply
Sue Crytser
6/27/2023 10:40:30 am

what ratio of dawn to water do you use to get rid of these pesky bag worms? Thanks

gary stout
8/17/2023 05:09:48 pm

Does it do any damage to the trees? What is the water to soap content per gallon?

https://ashevillenctreeservice.com/ link
1/2/2022 07:54:00 pm

I want to thank you this great idea! I love every bit of it. I have a bookmark you look at your new things.

Reply
Gwendolyn link
3/29/2022 01:16:04 am

I have a very big pecan tree in my yard that has paper shell very large pecans on it. I him the 10 years of living here have only had pecan off the tree one time. I am in the country and had never been around bag worms tell I moved into a house with a pecan tree.We we’re so excited to have a pecan tree in our yard, but that was short lived and what I would soon find was that the bag worms were stronger than my pecan tree and that for the next 8 year we would just get angry because we didn’t know what the pesty little pecan tree killers where or how to be rid of them Last year we had pecan as most pecan tree owners did.We still had the problem of the pecans that had been on the tree in past and caused the pecans to not be any good where all over the yard were the good pecan where we still enjoyed the tree that year and decided that we were going to find away to destroy and take back our pecan tree and be rid of the nasty bag worms and that’s what leads us to where we are

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randal cooper link
3/8/2023 09:37:56 am

Can I spray my Blueberry bushes and Pecan trees with Dawn and water mixture to keep bagworms out of them

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See more link
6/29/2023 03:54:00 am

Pretty insightful post. Never thought that it was this simple after all. I had spent a good deal of my time looking for someone to explain this subject clearly and you’re the only one that ever did that. Keep it up.

Reply
Tree Surgeon Southampton, Hampshire link
1/8/2024 09:04:17 am

It's good to know they can be a concern for pecan trees and other plants.

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Tree Surgeon Chichester, West Sussex link
1/20/2024 05:42:38 am

This is a helpful guide on dealing with tent caterpillars and bagworms, especially emphasizing early intervention for effective treatment. The tips on using pesticides and involving tree care professionals are valuable.

Reply
Tree Surgeon Fareham, Hampshire link
2/21/2024 06:13:32 am

Seeking assistance from a tree care professional may be necessary for treating advanced infestations, as pressurized spray equipment and specialized techniques are often required for effective removal.

Reply
Tree Surgeon Gosport, Hampshire link
2/22/2024 03:42:25 am

Utilizing pest control methods like BT, carbaryl, or Malathion can effectively manage tent caterpillars and bagworms, but it's essential to read and follow label instructions carefully. Thanks for emphasizing safe pesticide use!

Reply
Tree Surgeon Havant, Hampshire link
3/1/2024 11:38:07 pm

Implementing bird feeders to help control caterpillar populations is a practical and eco-friendly solution. Thanks for the insightful advice!

Reply
In cases of advanced infestations, seeking help from a tree care specialist may be essential as they often require specialized techniques and pressurized spray equipment for effective removal. link
3/20/2024 11:25:05 pm

In cases of advanced infestations, seeking help from a tree care specialist may be essential as they often require specialized techniques and pressurized spray equipment for effective removal.

Reply
Tree Surgeon Petersfield, Hampshire link
3/20/2024 11:26:12 pm

Implementing pest control measures such as BT, carbaryl, or Malathion can be successful in controlling tent caterpillars and bagworms. However, it's crucial to thoroughly read and adhere to label instructions for safe and effective pesticide use. Thank you for highlighting the importance of safe pesticide application!

Reply
Tree Surgeon Eastleigh, Hampshire link
3/27/2024 02:46:55 am

This guide provides valuable information on managing tent caterpillars and bagworms, particularly stressing the importance of early intervention for successful treatment. The advice on utilizing pesticides and seeking assistance from tree care professionals is highly beneficial.

Reply
Tree Surgeon Bognor Regis, West Sussex link
4/3/2024 06:20:00 am

Utilizing bird feeders to assist in controlling caterpillar populations presents a practical and environmentally friendly solution. Thank you for the insightful suggestion!

Reply
Tree Surgeon Winchester, Hampshire link
4/4/2024 11:43:49 pm

This guide offers valuable insights into managing tent caterpillars and bagworms, emphasizing the significance of early intervention for effective treatment. The recommendations regarding the use of pesticides and seeking assistance from tree care professionals are extremely beneficial.

Reply
Tree Surgeon Lee-On-The-Solent, Hampshire link
4/14/2024 10:29:27 pm

Utilizing pest management techniques like BT, carbaryl, or Malathion can effectively combat tent caterpillars and bagworms. Nonetheless, it's imperative to carefully review and follow label instructions for the safe and efficient application of pesticides. Your emphasis on safe pesticide usage is greatly appreciated!

Reply
Tree Surgeon Whiteley, Hampshire link
5/10/2024 01:15:32 am

Really appreciate the tips, thank you! The suggestion to use a bird feeder to naturally reduce caterpillar populations is an interesting and environmentally friendly approach to pest control in trees.

Reply
Nicole S link
8/22/2024 05:59:14 pm

Hi great readiing your post

Reply



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