The Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid is an aphid-like pest.
What are the Risks?
Adelgid's feed on spruce and Douglas fir. The adelgid injects saliva into its host when feeding, which is toxic to the tree, and as a result prohibits bud formation thus causing long-term tree decline.
What to Look For
The adelgid is aphid-like and inconspicuous. It's life cycle consists of six different forms.
- first form - formation of galls on branch tips;
- galls later turn reddish brown and dry out; and
- remaining forms - feed openly on needles.
Prevention
- Pick off new galls and burn them; and
- Insecticides used for aphid control may help decrease population levels in early spring.
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