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Bagworms.
Bagworms are different from either Gypsy Moth Caterpillrs or Tent Caterpillars
and affect evergreen trees. Because the females do not fly, they lay eggs
in the same tree for generations which can result in complete defoliation
of the tree if allowed to build up over time. They look like brown pine
cones hanging on tree branches. Picking them off is best, but dispose of
the bags, since the insects in the bags can crawl back up the tree if you
just throw them on the ground.
Controlling Deer.
Agnes Freund’s recipe: try it if you are having problems with
deer eating your prized plants.
Blend 1 egg in a blender so it is homogenized, and then add 1 quart
of water. Let sit for several (4-5) days to get very smelly. Then
use hand sprayer to apply to plants. Be sure to wash your hands well afterward,
due to potential danger of salmonella.
Miriam Evans recommends Milorganite, a sludge product available at garden
centers, (Lowe's has it sometimes). Put it on the ground around plants,
because it has an odor deer don't like it. It does have to be reapplied
after rains.
Gypsy moth caterpillars
vs. tent caterpillars.
According to Claire Stuart, tent caterpillars make tents in the forks
of branches where they stay at night. They eat foliage on a variety of
trees, but by now (May) are probably into their cocoon stage. They have
a wide white stripe down the middle of their backs with lines of blue dots
on either side. To control them, remove the "tents." The damage they do
is primarily cosmetic and the trees will recover. Gypsy moth caterpillars
began their feeding season this month (May). These are bad bugs capable
of doing serious damage. They prefer oak trees but will eat a variety of
other tree leaves also. They have yellow stripes running the length of
their body with a line of red dots on half the body and blue dots on the
other half. They do not make tents. Two ways of controlling them are to
either: put a band of sticky tape, such as duct tape about a foot wide
around the trunk of each tree that you want to protect. The caterpillars
will get caught on the tape on their way up the tree and then you will
have to dispose of them; or put a band of burlap about a foot wide around
the tree trunk. Either staple the ends together or put a strand of twine
around the middle so that the top half of the band hangs over the bottom
band. Then the caterpillars will use the band as a hiding place during
the day where you can pick them off and put into a bucket of soapy water.
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