As temperatures rise in Oklahoma, residents may notice bagworms making their presence known on local trees. These insects, which cocoon themselves in bags, are particularly active this spring, feeding on the leaves of trees such as eastern red cedar, junipers, pines, maples, and oaks.

Understanding Bagworm Impact

Bagworms feed on tree leaves while hiding from predators inside their cocoons. Although their activity can make trees appear unsightly, experts assure that the damage is typically cosmetic. According to Andrine Shufran, an associate extension specialist for entomology at Oklahoma State University, “They’re never going to kill the tree, but they might make the tree unsightly for, say, a week or two when the caterpillar populations get high and they eat a lot of leaves.”

Bagworms are active as long as trees have leaves and enter hibernation during the colder months. Currently, Oklahoma is experiencing the peak season for these insects. Fortunately, if a tree suffers from bagworm damage, it can recover. Shufran explains, “You’ll notice all the leaves might disappear, and the next year the tree comes back just fine, because all of the energy is stored in the roots, and new leaves will regrow.”

Proactive Management Strategies

For those concerned about bagworm infestations, a hands-on approach is recommended. Shufran advises, “If you find them unsightly, or you’re worried that they might defoliate your tree, just go ahead and pull them off, cut them off with a pair of scissors, leave them out for another animal to feed on.” The worms themselves have a short lifespan of about a month, but new bagworms can inhabit existing bags, making removal an effective option.

Being proactive by removing empty bags during the winter can help protect tree leaves during the warmer months. This simple yet effective method can save trees from significant leaf loss and maintain their health and appearance throughout the year.

Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.