Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000008
11/12/99
ABIES INSECT PROBLEMS
The balsam twig aphid feeds on the new growth of fir,
particularly balsam and Fraser firs, causing twisted,
distorted needles and deposits of honeydew. Trees can
tolerate fairly heavy infestations for a short period of
time but are weakened by repeated heavy infestations. Other
types of aphids can also be a problem.
Bagworm lives in a two to three inch long sack built from
needles. The insect overwinters as an egg in the sacks of
the females. The injury consists of feeding on the foliage
with most of the injury near the top of the tree. Control by
hand-picking the bags in winter.
Spider mites cause older needles to lose green coloration
and become yellowed. The insects are very small and
difficult to see so infestations can become severe before
being noticed.
Related information.
Pesticide Recommendations
Spider Mites
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This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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