Homeowners, producers and acreage owners alike have been fighting for years against one of Cass County’s more recent invading pests: the bagworm.

The Cassgram reports that Tim Lemmons, Extension Ag Educator in Cass County says given time and opportunity, this prolific insect with and an insatiable appetite for green tree material may easily destroy tree breaks, windbreaks and ornamental groves.

Bagworms prefer to feed on red cedars, but may be found on any number of tree species to include (but not limited to) pines, spruces, junipers, and many deciduous tree species to include (but not limited to) walnut, apple, elm, maples, oaks, and birches.

Usual emergence of the new generation of bagworms is from early to late May, depending on daily temperatures and conditions.

Bagworms are best controlled in the early or immature stages using a myriad of chemical agents to include (but not limited to) carbaryl (Sevin), malathion, chlorpyrifos (Dursban), acephate (Orthene), and pyrethrums (just to name a few), says Lemmons.

More information is available through the extension office and at http://cass.unl.edu.