Pine: Pine bark adelgid
categories: Conifers Ornamentals Pine Pine Insects
revision date: 2023-02-07 12:00
Photo by: A.L. Antonelli
Biology
Pine bark adelgids form woolly or cottony white masses on the trunk, branches, or twigs. Heavy infestations can look like snow on the trunks of trees. Seedling and young trees may have adelgids at the base of the needles or on shoots instead of on the trunks. Needles often become somewhat yellowish (chlorotic). The adelgids are black and short-legged under the white material. Severe adelgid infestations can result in stunting or death of trees.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Hand-wipe to control infestations where possible.
- Wash adelgids from trunks and foliage with a strong stream of water.
- Encourage natural predators including ladybird beetles, lacewings, and so on.
- Where practical, remove and destroy heavily infested branches and trees.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Esfenvalerate is toxic to bees. Do not apply products containing esfenvalerate on or near blooming plants.
- To minimize risk to bees, apply in the evening after bees have stopped foraging for the day.
- Apply in spring to infested bark. Homeowners should not make foliar applications to trees over 10 ft tall.
- Consult a commercial pesticide applicator for treatment of trees and shrubs over 10 ft. tall.
Approved Pesticides
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.