Worms on Ficus

Bagworms

• The bagworm is a common pest of landscape plants such as the ficus. According to North Carolina State University, bagworms are easily identified by the silk bag they spin and leave on the tree, which is filled with bits of the plant and debris. Bagworms feed on a wide range of trees and early-stage larvae feed on the surfaces of leaves. As they mature, older bagworm larvae eat entire leaves. Damage is often extensive when landscape plants, trees and shrubs are completely defoliated by bagworms. Plants and trees that cannot produce new foliage often die from bagworm infestations. Look for bagworms during the fall months or in early spring, as they are easy to spot before they hatch. Spraying the affected ficus with insecticides formulated for use with bagworms can help control the pest.

Caterpillars

• The caterpillars of Edwards wasp moth are known for causing severe damage to ficus trees, according to the University of Florida. This moth is commonly found in Florida, reaching as far north as Monticello and south to St. Petersburg. Caterpillars are found on ficus trees at any time of the year and lay eggs on the underside of foliage. The Edwards wasp moth caterpillar feeds only on the ficus species, chewing the leaf margins and producing holes in the leaves. According to the University of Florida, you can spot the Edwards wasp moth caterpillar by the fuzzy, yellow body and triangle of white on its head. In the pupae stage, brown cocoons are attached to the leaves or trunk on the ficus tree, as well as on the walls of buildings in close proximity to the ficus. Chemical sprays can help control and eliminate this pest in ficus trees.

Southern Armyworm

• According to the University of Florida, the southern armyworm has a broad host range, which includes ornamental trees, fruit trees and vegetable crops. Native to the American tropics, the southern armyworm larvae defoliate trees, feeding on young leaves. At maturity, the southern armyworm bores into fruit, causing extensive damage. Larvae are most often found on lower leaves of trees or plants and they are nocturnal feeders. Controlling this pest is best accomplished by spraying ficus trees and fruit trees with insecticides.