What is hatching on my blue spruce?
Very hard to see but they look almost like tiny white inch worms. Can anyone identify what this is? #HappyPlants #PlantAddict #BlueSpruce #Trees #PlantTherapy #PestControl
2
those brown, cylindrical structures attached to the needles are empty egg cases (oothecae) from bagworms (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) or spent male pollen cones.
Based on their distinct elongated, brownish-fuzzy appearance clustered near needle tips, here is what you are looking at and what to do:
Bagworm Cases: Female bagworms construct protective bags made of silk and woven bits of spruce needles or plant debris. In late summer/fall, eggs hatch inside or adult males emerge, leaving behind brown, fibrous cases attached to the twigs and needles.
Pollen Cones (Male Strobili): Alternatively, these can be spent male pollen cones that dried up and turned brown after releasing their pollen in early summer.
What to check next:
Gently squeeze one: if it feels hollow, dry, and fibrous with silk/needles woven together, it is a bagworm case.
If bagworms are present, pluck them off manually and drop them into a bucket of soapy water, as insecticides are ineffective once they are in firm pupal/egg cases. To tell they are harmful 1-If they are male pollen cones: No, they are harmless. They naturally form in spring to release pollen and dry up into brown, papery shells later in the season.
2-If they are bagworms: Yes, they pose a threat. Bagworm caterpillars feed heavily on spruce needles. A large infestation can defoliate and permanently brown branches. Additionally, the silk loops used to attach the bags can tightly wrap around twigs and girdle the branches as they grow.
Based on their distinct elongated, brownish-fuzzy appearance clustered near needle tips, here is what you are looking at and what to do:
Bagworm Cases: Female bagworms construct protective bags made of silk and woven bits of spruce needles or plant debris. In late summer/fall, eggs hatch inside or adult males emerge, leaving behind brown, fibrous cases attached to the twigs and needles.
Pollen Cones (Male Strobili): Alternatively, these can be spent male pollen cones that dried up and turned brown after releasing their pollen in early summer.
What to check next:
Gently squeeze one: if it feels hollow, dry, and fibrous with silk/needles woven together, it is a bagworm case.
If bagworms are present, pluck them off manually and drop them into a bucket of soapy water, as insecticides are ineffective once they are in firm pupal/egg cases. To tell they are harmful 1-If they are male pollen cones: No, they are harmless. They naturally form in spring to release pollen and dry up into brown, papery shells later in the season.
2-If they are bagworms: Yes, they pose a threat. Bagworm caterpillars feed heavily on spruce needles. A large infestation can defoliate and permanently brown branches. Additionally, the silk loops used to attach the bags can tightly wrap around twigs and girdle the branches as they grow.
