The bag worm is the larvae stage of the native moth of Pennsylvania, that feeds on over 100 different types of plants. The young larvae begin to spin silk like bags or cocoons around themselves that they carry along with them as they feed. As they grow, small pieces of plants are added to the bag which provides a natural camouflage. At maturity the bags can reach 1 to 2 inches in length, bag worms reach maturity during the month of August. They then attach their bags to branches of the host plant and change into adults. The adult male is small and gray with clear wings that resemble a wasp. The female is without wings or legs and never leaves the bag. Males emerge in September and mate with the female through an opening in the bag. Then the female delivers the eggs and then dies. The eggs overwinter inside the bag and the cycle repeats the next year. Small infestations can be controlled by hand picking the bags from the host plant. spray control can be done with Ortho Orthene, Bacillus Thuringiensis or (BT). Complete coverage of all foliage is essential for complete control. Always follow the directions on the label of the product that you choose for best results.
