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Know Your Bagworms
Homeowners in Wichita, Overland Park, and across Kansas often spot small hanging bags on evergreens. Here is what they are and what to do.
Bagworms are caterpillars that live inside small bags made of silk and bits of leaves. They feed on trees and shrubs.
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Evergreens do not always regrow from heavy damage, so early action matters.
Bagworms Activity in the Kansas & Missouri Corridor.
Wichita and the Kansas City area have lots of junipers, arborvitae, and spruce. These are favorite bagworm trees.
Activity starts in late spring and runs through summer.
What Types of Bagworms Live in Kansas?
Smart Bagworm Control You Can Trust
Most Kansas bagworm calls involve one common type.
The evergreen bagworm is the main one in our area.
Young caterpillars hatch in late May or June and build tiny bags.
Bags grow to about 1 to 2 inches long by late summer.
Bags hang from branches and look like small pine cones.
If you are not sure what you have, send us a photo.
Bagworms vs Look-Alikes
Bagworms do not bite or sting. They are not a danger to people or pets.
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They can strip the needles from evergreens, and bare branches may not grow back.
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Tent caterpillars and webworms look different. They build webs, not hanging bags.
Why Bagworms Are a Problem Near Kansas Homes
Heavy feeding can leave trees brown and thin.
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Bags hang in large numbers and look messy.
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Weak trees may die after several bad years.
Common Warning Signs of Bagworms
Bagworm activity is easy to miss until the bags are large.
Hanging Bags: Small cone shaped bags hanging from branches.
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Browning Needles: Patches of brown or thin foliage on evergreens.
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Chewed Foliage: Needles or leaves that look eaten at the edges.
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Moving Bags: Small bags that shift as young caterpillars crawl.
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Droppings: Tiny dark specks below the tree.
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Winter Bags: Brown bags that stay on bare branches after summer.
When Is Bagworm Season in Kansas?
Young bagworms hatch in late May and June.
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They feed all summer, and the bags grow bigger each month.
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The best time to act is early summer, while the caterpillars are small.
Why Kansas Homes Attract Bagworms
A few common conditions around Kansas yards can make bagworm problems more likely.
These include:
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Junipers, arborvitae, spruce, and pine
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Trees near other infested trees
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Bags left on branches from last year
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Stressed or thin trees
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Warm early summers
How Professional Bagworm Control Works
Good bagworm control starts with a close look at your trees.
At Bug Shockers Pest Control, we start by checking your trees for bags.
We see how many bags there are and how big they have grown.
Then we choose the right treatment and timing for your trees.
Treating early, while the caterpillars are small, works best.
We explain what we find in plain language, so you know what to expect.
Can Bagworm Problems Be Prevented?
You can lower the risk, but no yard is ever fully bagworm free.
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Pick off bags by hand in winter and early spring, then bag them and toss them.
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Check evergreens every few weeks in early summer.
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Keep trees watered so they can recover from stress.
When Should You Call About Bagworms?
Call if bags keep returning, or if you see them on several trees.
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Call if you cannot reach the problem safely, or if damage keeps getting worse. We can look at the property, tell you what is going on, and suggest a next step.
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You can also send us a photo. We are happy to help you figure out what you have.
Get in Touch with Us
Questions or ready to schedule? Our family-owned team is standing by to help you get back to living worry-free. From Sedgwick County to Johnson County, we provide the expert care you deserve with no contracts required.
5.0 stars · 350+ reviews
3x Best of Wichita Gold Winner
No Contracts required
Family-owned & operated since 2011
Prefer to call or text?
Wichita area: (316) 775-7867 or Overland Park and the KC Metro: (913) 222-2847
Protect Your Kansas Trees from Bagworms
Bagworms are a summer concern in Kansas. Acting while the caterpillars are small makes the job easier.
Bug Shockers is local and family-owned, with no contracts and a 5.0 star rating. We are happy to take a look.
Reach out any time with questions.
Related Bagworm Pages
Frequently Asked Bagworm Questions
How do I know if I have bagworms?
Look for small hanging bags that look like pine cones on evergreens. Inside each bag is a caterpillar.
Do bagworms kill trees?
They can. Evergreens often do not regrow from heavy needle loss, so early action matters.
When is the best time to treat bagworms?
Early summer, while the caterpillars are small, works best. Late in the season, treatment helps less.
Can I just pick the bags off?
Yes, for bags you can reach. Do it in winter or early spring, and bag and toss them. Eggs stay inside.
When should I call a pro for bagworms?
Call if bags return each year or cover several trees. We can take a look and suggest a plan.