Chemical Control of Western Spruce Budworm

Where the need arises, the population of the western spruce budworm can be reduced substantially with the proper use of insecticides. Large fields can be aerially sprayed with the insecticides while ground equipment may be used for individual trees.
Malathion, Acephate, and carbaryl are some of  the registered and certified chemicals for the use against budworm. Where spraying is needed, Federal or State insect control experts should be contacted for treatment timing, dosages, formulations and most recent information on certified insecticides.

Microbial Control of Western Spruce Budworm:

The Bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is a certified microbial insecticide effective for the control of spruce budworms. This is a natural, host-specific pathogen which has an effect on only larvae of lepidopterous insects. The insecticide is eco-friendly and can be safely applied to areas such as campgrounds, streams or rivers where the use of chemical insecticides is not encouraged. Intended users should consult the Federal or State insect control experts should be contacted for treatment timing, dosages, formulations and most recent information on certified insecticides.

Silviculture

Scientists have carried out some research on curbing the effect of the western spruce by manipulating the infested fields through silviculture. Most severe destruction in growing fields is noticed in pure stands of Douglas-fir and in other cases, a combination of Doughlas-fir and true-firs. Due to this, the likelihood of infestation of some fields is reduced by increasing the presence of non-host species like ponderosa pine or lodge pole pine and cutting down the amount of true firs and Douglas-fir. Silvicultural Control of budworm is not allowed in a lot of western forests.

If you suspect western spruce budworm infestation on your property, please contact SprayTech, Colorado tree service  experts, at 720.248.0000.