10 Best Bagworm Sprays to Protect Your Trees and Shrubs

I’ve tested numerous bagworm sprays and recommend starting with organic options like Bonide Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew, which uses Bacillus thuringiensis to target caterpillars while protecting beneficial insects. For broader coverage, Fertilome Spinosad products offer excellent control against bagworms and chewing insects with minimal environmental impact. Fast-acting synthetic options like BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Insect Killer provide rapid knockdown when infestations are severe, though timing applications during early morning or evening hours maximizes effectiveness while safeguarding pollinators throughout your landscape.

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Notable Insights

• Choose organic options like Spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis for effective bagworm control while protecting beneficial insects like bees.
• Apply treatments during early morning or late evening hours when beneficial insects are less active for maximum effectiveness.
• Ready-to-spray bottles work best for beginners, while concentrates offer better value for treating larger landscapes and properties.
• Start treatments early in the season on moderate pest populations to prevent irreparable damage to trees and shrubs.
• Look for products labeled as low-toxicity with organic certifications to ensure environmental safety and ecosystem balance.

Fertilome Spinosad Insecticide, Bagworm & Chewing Insect Killer (16 oz.)

For organic gardeners seeking an effective, naturally-derived solution, Fertilome Spinosad Insecticide stands out as an OMRI-listed bagworm control option that won’t compromise your certified organic practices. This versatile 16-ounce concentrate targets bagworms alongside other destructive pests, including tent caterpillars, leafminers, and armyworms that threaten your trees and shrubs. You’ll appreciate its dual formulation availability, offering both concentrate and ready-to-spray options for convenient application. Simply mix four tablespoons per gallon of water when using the concentrate formula. The spinosad active ingredient effectively controls chewing insects while remaining suitable for vegetables, fruits, citrus, and ornamental plants throughout your garden landscape.

Best For: Organic gardeners who need an effective, naturally-derived insecticide to control bagworms, caterpillars, and other chewing insects on vegetables, fruits, trees, and ornamental plants while maintaining certified organic standards.

Pros:

• OMRI-listed for organic gardening, ensuring compliance with certified organic production standards
• Targets a wide variety of destructive pests including bagworms, tent caterpillars, leafminers, thrips, and armyworms
• Available in both concentrate and ready-to-spray formulations for flexible application preferences

Cons:

• Concentrate formula requires manual mixing at 4 tablespoons per gallon, which may be inconvenient for some users
• 16-ounce size may not provide sufficient coverage for large properties or extensive pest infestations
• Limited to outdoor use only, restricting application for indoor plant pest control

Fertilome Spinosad Bagworm & Chewing Insect Control (RTS, Quart)

Gardeners seeking a versatile, ready-to-spray solution will find Fertilome Spinosad Bagworm & Chewing Insect Control perfectly suited for their pest management needs. This convenient quart-sized formula eliminates guesswork, allowing you to tackle bagworms, tent caterpillars, armyworms, and sod webworms with confidence. You’ll appreciate its broad application range, which covers citrus trees, fruit plants, vegetables, lawns, ornamental shrubs, and flowering plants throughout your landscape. The ready-to-spray design means you can address infestations immediately without mixing concentrates or measuring chemicals. This user-friendly approach guarantees effective pest control while maintaining the health of your diverse garden plantings.

Best For: Gardeners who need a convenient, ready-to-use solution for controlling bagworms, tent caterpillars, and other chewing insects across a variety of plants including citrus, vegetables, ornamentals, and lawns.

Pros:

• Ready-to-spray formula eliminates mixing and measuring, making application quick and convenient
• Broad spectrum control effective against multiple pest types including bagworms, tent caterpillars, armyworms, and sod webworms
• Versatile application range covers citrus, fruits, vegetables, lawns, ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers

Cons:

• Quart size may not be cost-effective for large properties or commercial applications
• Ready-to-use formulation typically costs more per application than concentrate versions
• Limited to chewing insects only, requiring additional products for other pest types like aphids or scale insects

Fertilome Spinosad Soap Insecticide Ready to Spray (32 oz.)

Organic gardeners seeking an environmentally responsible solution will find exceptional value in Fertilome Spinosad Soap Insecticide Ready to Spray, which combines two powerful natural ingredients to combat bagworms effectively. This OMRI-listed formula contains potassium salts of fatty acids and spinosad, creating a dual-action approach that disrupts bagworm feeding patterns while maintaining your garden’s organic certification. You’ll appreciate the ready-to-spray convenience, which eliminates mixing and measuring while delivering consistent coverage across vegetables, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals. The 32-ounce bottle provides excellent coverage for medium to large properties, and you can confidently use it in greenhouses without compromising air quality or plant health.

Best For: Organic gardeners who need an effective, OMRI-listed insecticide that combines natural ingredients to control a wide range of pests including bagworms, aphids, and caterpillars on vegetables, fruits, trees, and ornamental plants.

Pros:

• OMRI-listed for organic gardening with dual-action formula combining potassium salts of fatty acids and spinosad
• Ready-to-spray convenience eliminates mixing and measuring while providing consistent coverage
• Controls a comprehensive range of pests including difficult ones like bagworms, Colorado potato beetles, and codling moths

Cons:

• Low concentration of active ingredients (0.940% potassium salts, 0.005% spinosad) may require multiple applications for severe infestations
• 32-ounce ready-to-spray format may be more expensive per application compared to concentrated formulations
• Limited to outdoor use and greenhouse applications, restricting versatility for indoor pest control needs

Bonide Captain Jacks Deadbug Brew Ready-to-Use Spray (32 oz Organic Insecticide)

Bonide Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew stands out as the premier organic solution for gardeners who prioritize environmental safety without compromising pest control effectiveness. This spinosad-based insecticide targets bagworms alongside numerous other destructive pests, including borers, caterpillars, and spider mites, making it a versatile addition to your garden arsenal. You’ll appreciate how this formula specifically eliminates problem insects while preserving beneficial predators, maintaining your garden’s natural ecosystem balance. The ready-to-use spray bottle removes mixing guesswork, allowing you to apply treatment immediately when bagworm infestations appear on your trees and shrubs. This organic certification guarantees you’re protecting your plants without introducing harmful chemicals into your landscape environment.

Best For: Organic gardeners seeking an environmentally safe insecticide that effectively controls bagworms, caterpillars, spider mites, and other destructive pests while preserving beneficial insects in their landscape.

Pros:

• Contains Spinosad, a naturally occurring bacteria that’s OMRI-listed for organic gardening and safe for the environment
• Targets a wide range of destructive pests including bagworms, borers, beetles, caterpillars, and spider mites without harming beneficial predatory insects
• Ready-to-use formula with convenient spray nozzle eliminates measuring and mixing, allowing immediate application when pest problems arise

Cons:

• Limited to outdoor use only, restricting application for indoor plant pest control
• 32 oz size may not be cost-effective for treating large properties or extensive pest infestations
• Requires direct contact with pests for effectiveness, meaning thorough coverage is essential and may need multiple applications for hidden or mobile insects

Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Concentrate (Ready-To-Spray, 32 fl oz)

When you’re facing a severe bagworm infestation that’s threatening multiple areas of your landscape, Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Concentrate offers broad-spectrum protection that extends far beyond just bagworms. This ready-to-spray formula controls over 260 insects by contact, including the destructive bagworms that can devastate your evergreens and deciduous trees. You’ll appreciate the convenience of the hose-end sprayer attachment, which eliminates the need for mixing and measuring concentrates. The gamma-cyhalothrin active ingredient provides lasting protection for 3-4 months with a single application, making it incredibly cost-effective for large-scale treatments. Apply thoroughly to wet all foliage and branches where bagworms typically feed and construct their protective cases.

Best For: Homeowners dealing with severe bagworm infestations or multiple pest problems across large landscape areas who want a convenient, long-lasting solution that doesn’t require mixing or measuring.

Pros:

• Controls over 260 different insects with a single application that provides 3-4 months of protection
• Ready-to-spray hose-end attachment eliminates the need for mixing and measuring concentrates
• Cost-effective for treating large areas and multiple pest problems simultaneously

Cons:

• Mixed customer reviews indicate variable effectiveness depending on specific pests and concentration used
• Requires safety precautions including face mask during application due to chemical formula
• May need dilution adjustments for certain pests like ants to achieve optimal results

Bonide Captain Jacks Bacillus Thuringiensis BT Organic Worm & Caterpillar Control (32 oz)

For gardeners seeking effective, environmentally responsible pest control, Captain Jack’s Bacillus thuringiensis formula delivers powerful results against bagworms and other destructive caterpillars. This ready-to-use spray contains the naturally occurring bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which specifically targets worm and caterpillar pests through ingestion. You’ll appreciate that this organic solution stops feeding within hours of application, eliminating bagworms within 2-3 days while remaining completely safe for beneficial insects like honeybees and ladybugs. The 32-ounce trigger sprayer makes application straightforward on affected trees, shrubs, and garden plants. With over 4,000 positive reviews and organic certification, you can confidently protect your landscape without compromising environmental safety or beneficial garden ecosystems.

Best For: Organic gardeners who need to eliminate bagworms, caterpillars, and other worm pests from vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants without harming beneficial insects or compromising environmental safety.

Pros:

• Fast-acting organic formula that stops pest feeding within hours and kills caterpillars within 2-3 days
• Safe for beneficial insects like honeybees, ladybugs, and earthworms while effectively targeting destructive pests
• Ready-to-use trigger sprayer with excellent customer satisfaction (4.6/5 stars from over 4,000 reviews)

Cons:

• Strong odor during application that some users find unpleasant, though it dissipates quickly
• Only effective against caterpillars and worms through ingestion, so won’t control other types of garden pests
• Requires reapplication after rain or heavy watering as the bacterial treatment can wash off treated surfaces

Fertilome Spinosad Bagworm & Chewing Insect Control Oil (Quart)

Gardeners seeking a natural yet powerful solution against persistent bagworm infestations will find Fertilome Spinosad Bagworm & Chewing Insect Control Oil particularly effective for early-season pest management. This oil-based concentrate targets bagworms, tent caterpillars, and various chewing insects across all plant species, making it versatile for diverse garden applications. Users consistently report excellent results when applying this product preventatively, especially on fruit trees like walnuts and cherries, rather than waiting for severe infestations to develop. The 16-fluid-ounce concentrate provides clear mixing instructions for spray applicators, ensuring proper dilution rates. While highly effective for moderate pest populations, you’ll achieve best results by treating infestations early before they become overwhelming and cause irreversible plant damage.

Best For: Gardeners who want to proactively prevent bagworm and chewing insect infestations on fruit trees and ornamental plants using a natural oil-based concentrate.

Pros:

• Highly effective against bagworms, tent caterpillars, and various chewing insects when used preventatively
• Versatile oil-based concentrate that works on all plant species with clear mixing instructions for spray applicators
• Strong customer satisfaction with 4.6 out of 5 stars from 223 reviews and proven success on fruit trees like walnuts and cherries

Cons:

• Less effective against severe or heavy infestations that are already established
• May only kill a portion of pests rather than complete elimination in advanced infestations
• Requires early application timing to prevent irreversible plant damage from occurring

Bonide Captain Jacks Deadbug Brew, 32 oz Concentrate Insecticide for Organic Gardening

Organic gardening enthusiasts who prioritize natural pest control methods will find Bonide Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew an exceptional solution for managing bagworm infestations. This 32-ounce concentrate contains spinosad, a naturally occurring bacterium that effectively targets bagworms alongside caterpillars, beetles, and moths while preserving beneficial insects. You’ll appreciate its organic certification and versatility across various plants, from fruiting vegetables to stone fruits and ornamental shrubs. The concentrate format provides excellent value, mixing easily with water for application through trigger, backpack, or hose-end sprayers. With over 5,400 customer ratings averaging 4.6 stars, gardeners consistently praise its effectiveness and recommend early-season applications for ideal bagworm control.

Best For: Organic gardeners seeking an effective, naturally-derived concentrate insecticide to control bagworms, caterpillars, and other common pests while preserving beneficial insects in their gardens.

Pros:

• Contains spinosad, a naturally occurring bacterium that’s approved for organic gardening and widely used in organic produce production
• Highly effective against a broad range of pests including bagworms, spider mites, thrips, and various caterpillars while having minimal impact on beneficial insects
• Excellent value as a concentrate format that mixes with water and provides long-lasting pest control for multiple applications throughout the season

Cons:

• Requires mixing with water before application, which adds an extra step compared to ready-to-use formulations
• Mixed results reported against certain pests like squash bugs, indicating it may not be universally effective for all garden pests
• Must follow label directions carefully and requires proper timing with early-season applications for optimal effectiveness

BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Insect Killer Spray, Concentrate, 32 oz

When bagworms threaten your landscape’s health and appearance, BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Insect Killer Spray delivers the fast-acting protection you need to safeguard your investment. This concentrated formula works on contact, eliminating bagworms along with aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, and whiteflies that damage your trees and shrubs. You’ll appreciate how quickly this spray takes effect, stopping pest damage before it spreads throughout your landscape. The rainproof formula becomes weather-resistant within one hour of application, ensuring your treatment stays effective even when unexpected showers arrive. With its broad-spectrum control and reliable performance, this concentrate provides extensive protection for your valuable woody plants.

Best For: Homeowners and gardeners who need fast-acting, weather-resistant protection against bagworms, aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, and whiteflies on their trees and shrubs.

Pros:

• Fast-acting contact kill formula that stops pest damage quickly before it spreads
• Rainproof within one hour, maintaining effectiveness even during unexpected weather
• Broad-spectrum control targeting multiple common tree and shrub pests in one application

Cons:

• Requires mixing as a concentrate, which may be less convenient than ready-to-use formulations
• Contact-based action means thorough coverage is essential for effectiveness
• May need reapplication for ongoing pest pressure or new infestations

Sevin 100547234 Insect Killer Ready to use 1 Gallon, White Label

Homeowners who need immediate, broad-spectrum protection against bagworms and hundreds of other destructive pests will find Sevin 100547234 Insect Killer Ready-to-Use an exceptionally powerful solution. This lambda-cyhalothrin-based formula eliminates over 700 listed insects on contact, delivering visible results within minutes of application. You’ll appreciate the convenient ready-to-use design that requires no mixing, making treatment straightforward for roses, vegetables, trees, and shrubs. Simply shake well, spray from one foot away using the narrow fan nozzle, and target affected areas at early damage signs. The 128-ounce capacity provides extensive coverage for larger properties, while the contact-kill action guarantees rapid bagworm elimination when timing matters most.

Best For: Homeowners who need immediate, broad-spectrum protection against bagworms, Japanese beetles, aphids, and hundreds of other destructive pests on roses, vegetables, trees, and shrubs.

Pros:

• Kills over 700 listed insect pests on contact with visible results within minutes
• Ready-to-use formula requires no mixing and comes in a large 128-ounce capacity for extensive coverage
• Safe for use on a wide variety of plants including roses, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and flowers

Cons:

• Cannot be sprayed on open blooms as it may harm pollinating insects like bees
• Requires a 24-hour waiting period before watering treated areas for optimal effectiveness
• Contains lambda-cyhalothrin, a synthetic pyrethroid that may pose risks to beneficial insects

Factors to Consider When Choosing Bagworm Spray

When selecting the right bagworm spray for your specific situation, I’ll help you navigate several key factors that determine treatment success. The active ingredient type, whether synthetic or organic, affects both killing power and environmental impact on your garden ecosystem. Your application method preference, coverage area requirements, and whether you need organic certification will guide you toward the most effective solution for your particular bagworm problem.

Active Ingredient Types

The active ingredient determines a bagworm spray’s effectiveness, application method, and environmental impact on your garden ecosystem. I recommend considering organic options like Spinosad, which derives from naturally occurring bacteria and effectively targets bagworms, caterpillars, and various other pests. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) offers another excellent organic choice that specifically targets caterpillar pests, causing them to stop feeding and die within days of ingestion. For faster results, synthetic chemical insecticides containing Lambda-Cyhalothrin or Gamma-Cyhalothrin provide rapid knockdown upon contact, though they may also affect beneficial insects. When selecting products, I suggest looking for OMRI Listed or organic certifications to guarantee compliance with organic gardening standards while minimizing harm to non-target organisms in your landscape.

Application Method Preferences

Choosing between ready-to-spray bottles and concentrate formulations comes down to your garden size, budget considerations, and personal convenience preferences. Ready-to-spray options eliminate mixing guesswork, making them perfect for beginners or quick spot treatments on smaller properties. However, concentrates offer better value for larger landscapes, though they require careful dilution following label instructions.

Your spray system choice depends on coverage needs and comfort level. Trigger sprayers work well for targeted applications on individual shrubs or small garden sections. For extensive areas with multiple trees, hose-end sprayers provide efficient coverage without constant refilling. Remember that timing matters considerably for effectiveness—I recommend applying sprays preventatively before peak infestation periods. Focus coverage on leaf undersides and branches where bagworms typically feed, ensuring thorough wetting for ideal results.

Organic Certification Requirements

Beyond application methods, gardeners committed to sustainable practices must navigate organic certification requirements when selecting bagworm control products. I recommend choosing sprays certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), which guarantees products meet strict organic agriculture standards. These approved sprays must contain only natural ingredients like plant extracts, naturally occurring minerals, and biological controls, while remaining completely free from synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs. You’ll find that organic-certified bagworm sprays demonstrate low toxicity to beneficial insects and ecosystems, protecting your garden’s natural balance. Remember to maintain detailed records of all spray applications and inputs, as this documentation proves essential during organic certification inspections and helps you track your sustainable gardening practices effectively.

Target Pest Specificity

Successful bagworm control hinges on selecting sprays that specifically target these destructive pests alongside related chewing insects that commonly infest your garden. I recommend choosing products that clearly list bagworms, caterpillars, and similar larvae on their labels, as this indicates thorough formulation for your specific pest problems. Look for active ingredients like Spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis, which effectively eliminate bagworms while preserving beneficial insects that support your garden’s ecosystem. Pay special attention to products that specify effectiveness against larval stages, since this is when bagworms cause the most damage to your plants. I always check that the spray suits my specific plant types, whether ornamental trees, shrubs, or vegetables, ensuring safe application without harming the foliage I’m protecting.

Coverage Area Needs

Once you’ve identified the right active ingredients for bagworm control, determining your coverage area requirements becomes the next important step in product selection. I recommend carefully measuring the total square footage of trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants you’ll need to treat, as different bagworm sprays offer varying coverage capacities that directly impact how many bottles you’ll require. Check each product label for specific application areas and dilution ratios, which greatly affect how much area your solution can cover when properly mixed. Consider the recommended number of applications for complete protection, as this determines long-term effectiveness across your designated treatment zone. Evaluating these coverage factors guarantees you’ll purchase adequate quantities while avoiding waste.

Safety Around Beneficials

While effective bagworm control remains your primary goal, protecting beneficial insects like honeybees, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps should influence your spray selection process greatly. I recommend choosing organic insecticides containing Spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis, which target bagworms specifically while showing minimal toxicity to beneficial species. These formulations break down rapidly in the environment, reducing long-term risks to pollinators and natural predators.

Conventional insecticides can disrupt your garden’s ecosystem balance, harming predatory insects that naturally control other pests. This disruption often leads to secondary pest outbreaks, creating a cycle of increased chemical dependence. I suggest looking for products labeled as low-toxicity to non-target species and timing applications when beneficial insects are less active, typically during early morning or late evening hours.

On a final note

I’ve provided you with eight effective bagworm sprays that’ll protect your trees and shrubs from these destructive pests. Whether you choose spinosad-based products for organic gardening, broad-spectrum options like Triazicide, or systemic treatments from BioAdvanced, you’ll find solutions that match your specific needs. Remember to apply treatments early in the season when bagworms are young, follow label instructions carefully, and consider factors like plant sensitivity and environmental impact when making your selection.