You'll probably have deer next year:)

Re: Of course they'll return.

Dax

Why would I have deer next year? Are bagworms at the top of their food list?

Make sure you get all of the bagworms off. Next years crop of bagworms eggs are in the bag so to say.

Dave

Are you sure they're bagworms, or are they webworms? You reference web-like nests, not individual worms living in conifer-needle encased cocoons. Bagworms can be picked off individually. Webworms require that the entire web be removed, usually meaning branches have to be pruned off. Or are they the same worm, but in different stages of development? Webworms are usually in deciduous trees; bagworms are always on conifers. ??

I've never heard of a webworm.

Bagworm infestations occur in any tree.

Horticultural oil in early spring should take care of them... I think. If not, follow the label for the oil and spray as needed.

Dax

These are definitely bagworms. Here is a site with a picture of the nest. I am not familiar with webworms, but this is the identical nest I found on my Green Giants. I just hope they do not reinfest next spring. I am keeping a close watch on my GG. http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/trees/ef440.htm

Dorry, good luck! We're pullin' for ya!

Dax

Yep, definitely bagworms. When you mentioned "webs", I immediately envisioned the nasty webworm nests that plague many native deciduous trees in our area. I have never seen them in a conifer. Following is a website w/photo in case you're interested:
http://www.spcbtx.org/consumer/webworm.pdf

From what I've seen, bagworms prefer arborvitaes. If someone or a web site says GGs are bagworm-resistant, I wouldn't believe it -- I'd expect bagworms to get on my GGs if they find them.

Dorry, just picking them off is the best remedy. Sometimes they're so tough to pull off that cutting-off w/scissors is the best way.

Just wanted to chime in..I have seen bagworms on my 2 year old Green Giants..they are not infested like the rest of my trees, but certainly have the worm. I treated last Wed. Hopefully I got em!

dorry:

During my childhood, I spent untold hours picking bagworm sacks off arborvitae. Year after year. In reading posts here, I know many people are enthusiastic about their arbs. Even after reading those posts, I was wary, thinking, "I'll bet they still get those $%*& bagworms."

Do you want to spend hours picking bagworms off or using chemical treatments? Are the arbs are worth it to you? You are the only person who can answer that question. If you answer "yes," prepare to pick.

If you decide you want to keep them, I recommend that you do this yourself. If you delegate the chore to children or grandchildren, they are likely to develop a lifelong dislike of arbs.

We are all wishing you well, Pam

We have about 80 Green Giants & get bagworms every year. They almost killed some smaller trees. I'm told that after the trees mature the bagworms won't kill the trees. Here are 2 sites relating to treatment. But the Bt spray they mention will kill butterflies too.
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/Geary/AV2005/av052905.htm
http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/mbcn/fea207.html