Bagworms and spittle bugs feed on more than 120 plant species and are known to defoliate an entire tree if left untreated, so kudos to you for looking for ways to get rid of these insects. Our soil scientists understand that your trees and shrubs would be costly to replace, so we have compiled the most frequently asked questions about bagworms and spittle bugs so you can learn about these insects and prevent them from eating through your investments.
Bagworms (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis), also known as evergreen bagworms, are not worms at all—rather they are caterpillars that are known for their unique shelters. These insects spend the majority of their lives inside cocoon-like bags that are about 1.5 to 2 inches long. These bags are spun out of silk and strengthened using camouflaging bits of foliage, such as pine needles, twigs, leaves, or pieces of bark.
Bagworms make 1.5 to 2-inch long spindle-shaped bags that can be seen hanging from twigs of trees and shrubs. Sometimes the bags are mistaken for pine cones or other plant structures. Don't be fooled, these caterpillars feed on 120+ including yours.
While the bagworm larvae are known to attack over 120 different types of trees, some of the preferred host plants include:
Bagworm caterpillars hatch from eggs in late spring to early summer and emerge as small, black larvae, about 1/25 inches long. The young insects spin strands of silk into a simplistic parachute and use it to travel to nearby trees and tall shrubs in a process known as “ballooning”. Once they have found a reliable food source, the caterpillars start building their bags, which they carry around with them. Over the course of the summer, the larvae feed on nearby foliage, expanding their bag as they grow. In late summer or early fall, the mature larvae securely attach their bags to a nearby tree and retreat to transform into a pupa, emerging as adult bagworms shortly after. The females appear soft-bodied and grub-like and remain in their bag, while adult male bagworms emerge as ashy-black moths with transparent wings, measuring about 1 to 2 inches. The male moths leave their bags to find flightless females and mate, after which the females lay anywhere from 300 to 1,000 eggs inside their bag before departing and dying. The eggs survive the winter within the bag, hatching in the spring to restart the year-long life cycle of the bagworm.
No, bagworms and sodworms are not the same insects. Many people get them confused as they both spin silk, but they are different bugs. While the average person will use the term interchangeably, or even names like “webworms” and “tent caterpillars,” the biggest difference is the time of year in which they spin their silk and where they spin it. If you’re confused about which bug you have, a professional will be able to tell and properly treat it.
While bagworms are not harmful to humans, they can have a devastating effect on your landscape. Between spring and mid-August, the larvae feed on nearby foliage of both evergreen and deciduous trees.
Spittle bugs, also known as froghoppers, are small insects belonging to the family Cercopidae. They are named after the protective foam-like substance they produce, resembling spit or froth, which serves as a hiding place for the nymphs. Are spittle bugs harmful to plants?|Generally, spittle bugs are not considered highly destructive to plants. They feed on the sap of a variety of plants, but their feeding activities rarely cause significant damage. However, in large numbers, they can affect the overall health and vigor of plants.
The presence of spittle bug nymphs is often the most noticeable sign of an infestation. They are small, greenish insects that reside within the frothy mass they create. Sometimes, you may also notice patches of foam or froth on plant stems or leaves.
You can handpick nymphs or spray them off with a strong stream of water. In severe cases, insecticidal soaps or botanical insecticides can be used.
No, spittle bugs do not bite humans. They primarily feed on plant sap and have no interest in biting or stinging people. They are harmless to humans and do not transmit any known diseases. Bagworms grow and feed on trees causing significant damage. These pests can be dangerous and costly to your trees and shrubs. Protect your investment from bagworms How to Get Rid of Bagworms Bagworms grow and feed on trees causing significant damage. These pests can be dangerous and costly to your trees and shrubs.