Coneworms attack the green cones of spruce by burrowing into them and feeding. They may also bore into shoot tips, causing tip dieback, or feed on the soft bark of young growth. The coneworms are small and creamy or light brown in color with a darker head. The adult coneworm is a mottled gray moth. Coneworms also attack pines, hemlocks, true firs, and Douglas fir.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Remove and destroy infested cones when possible.
Plant non-susceptible conifers where coneworms are a serious pest.
Natural enemies of the coneworm are likely.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

None recommended

Images

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Caption: Coneworm on pine Photo by: K. Grey
Caption: Coneworm damage Photo by: L.J. du Toit

WSU Extension

Hortsense