Bagworms

Photo: NCSU.edu
Photo: NCSU.edu

No, this is not a “weird pine cone”, as the link below suggests. This is a sign that bagworms are present. Bagworms are pests of many of the ornamental conifers used in our landscape (Leyland cypress, juniper, and arborvitae, to name a few) as well as some deciduous trees. The insects build these bags as protective camouflage, and females lay eggs in their bags. Bagworms hatch in May – June, so be on the lookout. If you see only a few bags (and can reach them safely), picking them from the tree or shrub and destroying the bag is an excellent method of control. For more information on bagworms and their control, see the links below.

http://ecoipm.org/2015/05/21/bagworms-hatching-scout-conifers-or-other-plants-with-weird-pine-cones/

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/trees/ort081e/ort081e.htm

-Ann Barnes