The spruce budworm is a small brown moth which lays its eggs on balsam fir, white spruce and sometimes red and black spruce. Newly hatched larvae make nests in protected areas where they overwinter. Feeding commences in the spring with defoliation becoming apparent later in the summer.
Damage
The Spruce budworm starts feeding on new growth at the top of the tree, feeding on needles, flowers and cones. This pest may undergo period outbreaks, during which it can defoliate large areas of susceptible plantings in forest or urban areas. The budworm outbreaks can have significant economic impacts on the forestry industry.
Natural Enemies
There are natural enemies of the spruce budworm.
For more information contact your local BioBee field agent.
