Christmas tree (Douglas-fir)-Douglas-fir needle midge

Contarinia spp.

Pest description and crop damage Adult is a small midge (fly). Larvae mine needles; they often appear as a purple node above which the needles are distorted. Degree day models and traps are available to monitor pest emergence.

Management-chemical control

Time applications based on adult needle midge trap catch. Time to coincide with adult emergence.

  • acephate (Orthene)-(Group 1)
  • bifenthrin ( OnyxPro, Sniper and others)-Restricted use. (Group 3)
  • cyclaniliprole (Group 28) + flonicamid (Group 29)-Pradia
  • thiamethoxam (Flagship 25 WG)-(Group 4)