Expert: Jim Hyland - 1/18/2005

Question
Jim;
I have a large Spruce tree in my backyard and it is showing signs that look like Spruce Bud worm. The ends of branches are losing their needles, back approimately 1 1/2".
How can I verify that this is Spruce Bud and if it is, what can I do to treat it. I would hate to lose the tree.
Thanks for your help.

Answer
Here is a link to a publication on Spruce Bud Worm:Eastern--http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/sbw/budworm.htm
Western--http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/westbw/fidl-wbw.htm

Here are the recommended Insecticides to spray Bud worm:
Chemical control often is used to protect high-value trees from defoliation and associated damage. The materials listed below are registered for western spruce budworm control and have been used with some success. They can be applied both from the ground and aerially. In either case, time spraying to occur during the two to three weeks immediately following budbreak or flush of new growth. In most years, this occurs about mid-June.

Table 1: Insecticides for control of western spruce budworm.

Insecticide                   Trade name
acephate                      Orthene
Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)   Dipel, Thuricide
carbaryl                      Sevin