How to Protect Your Trees and Shrubs from Bagworms in Kansas City

As the weather warms up in Kansas City, bagworms begin to hatch and feed—causing serious damage to junipers, cedars, arborvitaes, and many other ornamental trees and shrubs. These tiny caterpillars may not look like much at first, but left untreated, they can defoliate entire plants by midsummer.

At Turf Geeks, we offer a targeted solution: our Tree & Shrub Insect Guard Program, which includes bagworm control treatments to stop the damage before it begins.

What Are Bagworms?

Bagworms are the larvae of a moth that build protective "bags" made of silk and bits of plant material. They cling to branches and feed aggressively on foliage. The biggest threats come from:

• Junipers & Cedars

• Arborvitaes

• Spruce

• Pines

• Broadleaf evergreens

By the time you notice defoliation, the damage is often done. That’s why early detection and treatment is essential.

Signs of a Bagworm Infestation

• Small cone-like bags hanging from branches

• Thinning foliage or browning tips

• Premature leaf drop

• Dead limbs on evergreens

If you’re seeing any of these signs, it’s time to take action.

Turf Geeks Tree & Shrub Insect Guard

Our Tree & Shrub Insect Guard is a 3-step insect control program that targets pests like bagworms before they can cause lasting damage. We use timed applications of insecticides that are safe for your landscape but effective against the pests that threaten it.

• 3 applications per season

• Starting at just $52 per treatment

• Customized to your specific trees and shrubs

• Helps protect your landscape investment

When to Treat for Bagworms

The best time to apply bagworm treatments is late May through June, when larvae are actively feeding and still small enough to control. Waiting too long makes them harder to kill and increases the risk of permanent damage.

By treating early, we stop them during their most vulnerable stage—before they build up heavy populations.

Why Protecting Trees & Shrubs Matters

Your landscape is an investment. Mature evergreens and ornamentals not only boost your home’s curb appeal but also provide shade, privacy, and value. Bagworms can kill these plants in just a few seasons, which is why proactive care matters.

Ready to Protect Your Landscape?

If you have junipers, cedars, or other evergreens on your property, now is the time to act. Contact Turf Geeks to schedule your Tree & Shrub Insect Guard and stop bagworms before they cause damage.

📞 Call us at 816-459-0253📧 Email jason.clarkson@turfgeekkc.com

Preserve your landscape. Stop bagworms early. Trust Turf Geeks.