2 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

3 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

The insects feed on pine and spruce as well as many other conifers.

Tree

• Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra)
• Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)
• Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

This insect seldom bothers landscapes because this insect primarily attacks younger trees with trunks from one to four inches in diameter. The adult chews small holes in the bark of small twigs and branches. Bark may fall away in the chewed areas. On large trees the chewing is usually near the end of branches. Needles and shoot beyond the chewed area often die, leaving reddish dead tips, which is considered unsightly. In Illinois, this insect appears to be more common insandy soils.

The adults feed at night and hide in the leaf litter during daylight. They overwinter as adults and emerge from late April to June, depending on location. Adults may survive more than one "season" (fall through the following fall). It is not uncommon that they survive two "seasons. Adults lay their eggs under the bark just above and below the soil line of live trees. The larvae feed under the bark at and below the soil line on living trees, causing the tree foliage to yellow and die. They emerge in the fall after pupating in the soil near the trees.

Spray base of tree with a recommended insecticide in mid May and mid August. Remove debris from around the trunk before spraying.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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