Bagworms on Cypress: Systemic Insecticide Needed for Heavy Infestation

Daily hand-picking can’t keep up with bagworms spreading across multiple trees. A systemic insecticide is required for effective control.

Treatment

• Use acephate (Orthene) or similar systemic. Spray per label.
• If many large trees infested, hire a certified arborist ($85–$150 typical).

Why Systemic?

Bagworms feed inside protective bags. Contact sprays don’t penetrate. Systemic moves into foliage, killing caterpillars as they eat.

Timing

Best applied when larvae are small (<1/2 inch). For large bags, conventional spray may work better than BT.