Bagworms, a species of moth, on the move in the month of June

Healthy landscape trees provide a sense of wellbeing, satisfaction and joy for homeowners. However, environmental stress, insect pests and disease are a perpetual threat to our beloved trees and shrubs. It is important to detect these issues as they arise before significant damage is done. Bagworms are an insect pest that many people are familiar with, but may not know how to control. People typically notice bagworms in the fall when they dangle from evergreen branches like dull brown tree ornaments. However, this isn’t the time when control measures will be most effective. As with most pest management strategies, timing is everything. Insect pest management is always more effective in the early stages of the pest life cycle.

Bagworms are a moth species by the scientific name — Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis which constructs a silken bag covering to protect itself while it moves and feeds on tree foliage. It uses host plant material and body excretions to construct the bag. Tree defoliation can be quite serious in years with high Bagworm populations. They have a broad range of hosts including arborvitae, Leyland cypress, eastern red cedar, pines, and

Coles

“Most can but are too afraid to take on the bodywork,” Coles said. When deciding to take on his own bodywork, Coles didn’t just pick up a paint sprayer and have a go at it. Instead, when he got off work from his railroad job, he helped at a body shop for a time, even getting an of-