Spruce: White pine weevil

Biology

The white pine weevil attacks the terminal or top shoot of the tree. Infested terminals may be seriously damaged or killed. Often, the terminal droops, wilts, or is deformed by the feeding of weevil larvae. As much as one or two feet of terminal may be destroyed, ruining the shape of the tree. Adult beetles emerge in late summer (around mid-August into fall) and overwinter in organic debris on the ground.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Prune out damaged terminal and train a new replacement leader to improve tree’s appearance.
• Prune and destroy affected terminals in the summer before adult beetles emerge. This will help reduce next year’s infestation.

Chemical Management

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

• None recommended

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