David Owens, Extension Entomologist, owensd@udel.edu
Figure 1. Guess the Pest (Bagworms)
Congratulations to Dr. Emmalea Ernest for correctly identifying last week’s WCU as bagworm or Dunce-Cap.! This is the time of year eggs are hatching and larvae are very small. They can defoliate significant chunks of evergreens by August. I often get phone calls about them well after the ideal time to control them is past. At this stage, they are very sensitive to insecticides, and a number can be used. Bt, pyrethroids, and diamides are all very effective.