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 (Acephate 97 and Bracket) (Group 1B)-Some products not registered for use in Washington.
  • horticultural oils/insecticides (Captiva, Captiva Prime)-OMRI-listed for organic production.
  • cyclaniliprole+ flonicamid (Pradia) (Group 28 + Group 29)