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Bagworms

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From: August Christhilf City: Champaign , IL
I just bought a house which has approximately 60-70 evergreens, mostly spruce, planted around the perimeter. They range from 12 feet to about 25-30 feet and most seem healthy. I am alarmed to find bag worms on nearly every one of them, and need advice on how to eradicate theses bugs before they destroy my trees?
	Extension Message From: Richard Hentschel Extension Educator, Horticulture DuPage/Kane/Kendall Unit hentsche@illinois.edu
If the bagworm is still feeding and mobile, sprays containing BT Kurstaki (BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS Kurstaki). This is the least harmful to the environment and many other insects. Another one is Spinosad. there are likely many "bags" that are empty, but still present. Removal of all bags, empty and full during the late fall, winter, late spring will reduce the population of new bagworms and make the trees look better as well.
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