1 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

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

The European Pine shoot moth attacks red, mugo, Scots, Austrian, ponderosa and a several other pines. This insect is more of a problem in Christmas tree farms and in commercial tree nurseries then in the home landscape.

Shrub

• Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo)

Tree

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

The mining of the needles by the newly hatched larvae cause the needles to die and turn brown during the summer. The caterpillar then tunnelsthe tips of the branches, terminal and laterals. Commonly, infested tips (candles) are curved like shepherd's crooks. Severe infestation may give the infected tree a reddish appearance. Severe infestation on small trees may cause their death. Drought and poor growing conditions seem to increase damage by this shoot moth.

There is one generation per growing season. Eggs are laid at the base of new needles in late spring. After hatching, the insect mines the base of the needle. The insect tunnels into the shoot from the base of a needle. By the middle of summer, the insect has moved into the new buds. By late summer the insect stops feeding. European pine shoot moth overwinters as a pupa in the injured tissue

Prune out and destroy the dead branch tips. If necessary use a recommended insecticide.

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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