Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook

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

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Image related to Christmas tree (Douglas-fir)-Douglas-fir needle midge
Needleminer
Contarinia unknown
Immature
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
Image related to Christmas tree (Douglas-fir)-Douglas-fir needle midge
Needleminer
Contarinia unknown
Immature showing damage on leaves
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection

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

Kaur, N. (Ed.). 2024 Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook.
© Oregon State University.

Use pesticides safely!

  • Wear protective clothing and safety devices as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower after each use.
  • Read the pesticide label—even if you’ve used the pesticide before. Follow closely the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have).
  • Be cautious when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide use.

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