Tip moths over-winter as pupae in dead tips (branch ends). They begin emerging as adults early in the spring as the air temperature warms. Emergence as early as March 1 can be expected. Adults mate and lay eggs on live tips shortly after emergence. Adults are dirty buff colored moths about 3/8 inch long. Eggs hatch and larvae begin feeding at the bases of needles. When they are large enough to chew into the tip, one to five bore in and begin to feed. Tips wilt and die. The larvae pupate and hatch as adults. This cycle can occur 5 or 6 times each growing season up until October in warm years.

Knowing this life cycle makes it possible to control this pest. Traps capture the male moths using a scent like the female. Daily monitoring traps and recording the numbers caught each day will identify the date of highest male moth activity. Approximately ten days after this date most all of the eggs have hatched and started to feed outside the tips. A spray at this time will catch the larvae out in the open so-to-speak. While they are in the egg stage or inside the tip they are resistant to spray. Check each year with the Extension Service to determine what chemicals are legal to spray.

When temperatures drop, this schedule changes. Measuring daily temperatures enable researchers to more accurately schedule sprays. The process is complicated and usually not convenient for most part time growers to follow.

Other minor insects include cinera aphids, scales, spider mites, saw flies and bagworms. Spray according to current legal chemicals as detected. Aphids can be detected in the fall by placing a white sheet under the tree and shaking the tree. Aphids can be easily seen on the white background. Left undetected, aphids can become active in a warm house and make a mess under the tree with shed skins and their honey dew droppings. Scales will probably be detected when stems. Needles and trunks turn black with sooty mold during the growing season. This mold grows on the honey dew from both aphids and scales. Spider mites are usually detected when infested trees yellow slightly as mites suck needle cells dry during the summer. Mites seem to start on one tree and then spread in a circle to other trees. Saw flies are seen on small trees as red headed, black spotted green caterpillars. Usually one tree is stripped of needles before the caterpillars are detected. Often shaking the tree will permanently dislodge the caterpillars. Bag worms can be picked off or heavy infestations sprayed in May or June while they are feeding.

DISCLAIMER: Recommendations for use of chemicals are included in this newsletter as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services does not imply endorsement by the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical.

Revised 2/16/2006.