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Ornamentals and Turf |
Bagworms have a wide host range; however, in landscapes they are usually associated with arborvitae, cedars or junipers. Heavy populations can do considerable defoliation. In spring, the newly-hatched caterpillars spin down from bags on silken threads and are blown about by the wind. Upon reaching a suitable host, the tiny caterpillar begins to spin its bag and as it grows it incorporates some of the host plant foliage into the bag for camouflage. Once a bagworm population takes hold, it can sweep through the plants quickly. Many vacationers return home to find a tree almost stripped. Plants such as Leyland cypress do not recover well from severe defoliation. Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note No. 81 provides information on the biology and control of bagworms. Treating bagworms with insecticide while they are small is the most effective means of control. Hand-picking bagworms, when practical, is a safe and effective means of control. Bagworms are still small enough to be barely noticeable and still eating small bites. The story will be different next month.
The citrus whitefly, husky by whitefly standards, is still a tiny, white insect about 2 mm in length. Females insert their eggs into the lower surface of the leaves of gardenia and Swedish ivy. The eggs are so small that most people do not notice them. Soon the immature stages hatch into scale-like insects that suck sap from the lower leaf surface. Look for ant activity, honeydew, or sooty mold on the plants. There is additional information in Publication AG-136, Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plant. Citrus whiteflies suck sap from the plant and excrete honeydew, a sweet, sticky substance. Sooty molds grow in the honeydew and cause infested bushes to become dull and dark. Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note No. 41 explains more about sooty molds. Horticultural oils should give good control of the citrus whitefly. Orthene is also effective. There is more information on horticultural oils in Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note No. 45.
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on June 17, 2002 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.
