Bagworms on a 12-Ft Pine: Don't Top It—Hand-Pick and Spray Bt Next June

Immediate Action

• Do not cut the top—it will not regrow a leader and ruins form.
• Hand-pick all reachable bags now (winter/early spring) and destroy (crush or soapy water).

Spring Treatment

Bagworms hatch late May–early June. When tiny larvae appear (late June), spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)—effective only on young caterpillars. Sevin works too but Bt is safer.

Lifecycle Note

One generation per year. Eggs overwinter in female bags. Removing bags now eliminates hundreds of next year's pests.