Insects Harmful to Evergreens
Damage from insects can devastate a forest, causing harm or death to millions of trees. Insects are identifiable by the nature of their attack, but generally an insect outbreak in evergreens is too fast and widespread to control.
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Spruce Budworm
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Waves of outbreaks of the spruce budworm account for millions of lost northern spruce and fir trees. The budworm bores into and feeds on needles or buds. The detached needles are left hanging by a silk web.
White Pine Weevil
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The white pine weevil feeds at the bottom of the bud cluster. Evidence of the weevil is the shiny resin droplets that come from the holes made from feeding punctures just below the dead buds.
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Ips Bark Beetle
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The Ips beetle feeds on weak or dying pine trees. The beetle's numbers increase during natural disasters such as storms, fires or drought. This creates a natural breeding ground among the fallen trees.
Black Turpentine Beetle
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The black turpentine beetle leaves a pitch tube in the crevices of the bark near the bottom of the tree, showing its eating pattern. You can control this beetle by spraying insecticide at the base of the tree up to the highest pitch tube.
Douglas Fir Moth
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The Douglas fir moth eats the tops of trees, causing death or a growth stunt for several years. Once the caterpillar has eaten the local firs, it will move on to other trees and shrubs.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit EMunson/anabits.com; Evergreens have an endless supply of insect enemies.
