Bagworms and webworms are common pests that can infest your plants in Texas. Bagworms are pests that create bags from silk and plant material where they stay inside while they feed on plant leaves. They carry these bags as they move through the plant looking for leaves to eat. Meanwhile, webworms spin webs that span several branches., and they also feast on leaves. Both pests can cause defoliation on your plants and affect their health and appearance. If you suspect any of these pests are infesting your plants, contact professionals as soon as possible so they can apply a treatment that will get rid of the infestation effectively.

What are bagworms, and what damage do they cause?

Bagworms hanging off a tree branch in Dallas, TX.

Bagworms are caterpillars that are the larval form of moths, and they feed on plant foliage. They create protective, cone-shaped bags made from silk and plant material like leaves where they stay throughout their lifetime. These bags are about 1/2 inch to 2 inches long and hang on the branches of the plants where the leaves they will feed on are attached. As soon as they hatch, bagworms start feeding on leaves and needles and create holes in the foliage as they eat.

During feeding, bagworms move through the plant carrying their bags along with them. As they continue to feed, their bags become larger as the bagworms grow. These pests can defoliate your plants if the infestation is severe and may even lead to the plants' death.

What are webworms, and what damage do they cause?

Webworms in Dallas, TX, inside a web across tree branches.

Webworms are the larval form of specific types of moths, and they feed on plant leaves. To protect themselves while they feed, webworms spin protective webs using silk around branches containing a few leaves that they will eat. Their webs will expand as the webworms grow, encapsulating more leaves as they continue to feed and creating more unsightly webs on your plants. Severe infestations can result in webs reaching up to 3 feet across! When webworms infest your plants, they will eat the leaves and mar the beauty of your plants. The health of your plants will also be affected because fewer leaves mean they will be unable to perform photosynthesis efficiently.

Webworms can lay up to 600 eggs that hatch within a week!

What should you do if you suspect bagworms or webworms have infested your plants?

If you suspect your plants to be infested with bagworms or webworms, the first thing you should do is contact professionals. They will inspect the affected plants to identify which insect is causing the infestation. Once they have a diagnosis and the full picture of how severe the infestation is, they will then apply the necessary treatment to eliminate the infestation and stop the pest from causing more harm.

Professionals will also recommend putting your plants on a health care program to help them recover. They can provide your plants with fertilizer treatments containing nutrients that will bolster their health so they can start recuperating and regaining their lush and vibrant appearance. What's more, professionals can treat your plants with insect control treatments regularly to ensure they are thoroughly protected from pests like bagworms and webworms in the future.

Call us today to enroll in our tree and shrub insect control service!

Pest infestations can be detrimental to the health of your plants. Here at Weedex Lawn Care, we offer our tree and shrub insect control service to residential properties in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, TX, and surrounding areas. This service involves multiple treatments a year that will protect them from invasive pests like bagworms and webworms. These treatments are part of our tree and shrub care program, which includes fertilizer treatments so your plants are well-nourished during the growing season. Give us a call today at (972) 727-9207 to enroll in our tree and shrub insect control service!