Texas Lawn and Ornamental Pest Control License Practice Exam

To effectively manage bagworm populations, a gardener should closely observe the feeding activity of the caterpillars. This is critical because bagworms are the larval stage of a moth, and their feeding directly impacts the health of the plants they infest, particularly conifers and other landscape trees. Monitoring their feeding activity helps in determining the severity of the infestation.

When bagworms are actively feeding, they can defoliate branches and cause significant damage to trees. Early intervention is crucial; thus, recognizing signs of feeding can aid in selecting appropriate control measures, such as insecticides or manual removal. Understanding when and where the caterpillars are most active enables targeted treatments and more effective management of their populations.

While factors like weather changes, tree water levels, and soil fertility can affect plant health and pest dynamics, they do not provide the same direct insight into the immediate threat posed by bagworm infestations as observing the feeding activity does. This specific observation allows gardeners to make timely and informed decisions regarding pest control strategies.