What are White Pine Weevils?
White Pine Weevils (pissodes strobi) are insects that live their life cycle around pines, firs, and spruces. The adult weevil is brown, 6-7 mm in length with tan and white scales arranged in small and larger spots. The larvae are white, grublike, and 9-10 mm in length when fully grown.


What damage will the weevils cause?
The adults lay eggs in the early spring, in the body of the terminal shoot. As these eggs hatch in the new growth they immediately tunnel down the center of the shoot killing the top most part of the tree. The insect must be removed by cutting out the top or more damage will occur later. Leaving this insect uncontrolled will result in loss of the landscape value of the trees.


What can a homeowner do to control White Pine Weevils?
Limit the amount of Blue Spruce trees in your landscape, planting less susceptible conifers instead like White Fir.


What can ArborCare/ArborScape, Inc do for me?
Prior to bud break, ArborCare/ArborScape, Inc. can preventatively control the white pine weevil damage to the tree. Some systemic pesticides are also available. ArborCare can prune out the dead tops of trees above your reach. Trees that have lost their terminal shoot will reform a new leader shoot from the remaining lateral branches.