PestHigh Severity

Spruce Budworm

Choristoneura fumiferana

One of the most destructive native insects in northern spruce and fir forests of Eastern United States and Canada. Periodic outbreaks are part of the natural cycle associated with maturing balsam fir, resulting in loss of millions of cords of timber.

View Treatment OptionsRecommended Products
Spruce budworm larva feeding on spruce needles

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Newly hatched larvae bore into and feed on needles
Feeding on expanding buds
Defoliation of host trees
Tree mortality in severe outbreaks
Reduced growth in surviving trees

Potential Damage

Massive defoliation of spruce and fir forests
Tree mortality over large areas
Loss of millions of cords of timber
Ecosystem disruption during outbreak periods
Economic losses in forestry industry

Lifecycle

Light green eggs laid in elongate masses of 2-60 (averaging 20) that overlap. Newly hatched larvae are very small and bore into needles or buds. Adults are grayish moths with 2 cm wingspan and dark brown markings.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Large-scale forest management strategies

2

Biological control with natural predators

3

Insecticide applications during outbreak periods

4

Forest diversity management

5

Monitoring and early detection programs

Recommended Mauget Products

Imicide

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against spruce budworm.

View Product Details

Dinocide

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against spruce budworm.

View Product Details

Need Professional Diagnosis?

Our certified arborists can help you accurately identify tree problems and develop an effective treatment plan using Mauget's proven injection systems.

Schedule ConsultationUse Diagnostic Tool