Learn how this destructive pest is impacting conifer species in the Midwest and what you can do about it
First incur in the United States in 1879 , Zimmerman pine moth ( Dioryctria zimmermani ) is a small grey insect with zigzag line of red and greyish and a wingspan of 1 to 1½ in . The adult moths are rarely seen , as they are active only at dark . Females lay 20 to 30 eggs that are cream colored at first and then wrench brown as they train . These are lay under the barque near the wounds create by their boring into the tree . When hatched , the larvae grow into dark-brown - steer ¾-inch - long caterpillars with dead body that vary from pink to green and are wrap up with sinister spots . Wintering over at the last of tunnel bore under the barque , they go forth in belated spring to continue their living cycle .
Which Midwest conifer species are susceptible to Zimmerman pine moth?
Zimmerman pine tree moth ( ZPM ) has become one of the most economically destructive pests ofconifersin the Midwest . It do stern damage to most pine species ( Pinusspp . , Zones 2–11 ) in the north central part of our country and also is known to infest spruce ( Piceaspp . , Zones 2–9 ) . Conifer coinage that are normally grown in our area and susceptible to ZPM include the following :
What does a Zimmerman pine moth infestation look like?
former grounds of a ZPM outbreak is usually the wilt and Elizabeth Barrett Browning of new emergence . concluding branches that are invade turn downward into a shepherd’s - malefactor shape . If untreated , the branch will in the end die and stop off . Depending upon the size of the tree , this may be the top of the tree or a side subdivision . Typically , ZPM attack trees above oculus spirit level , which makes detecting them difficult before damage is seeable .
What should I do if Zimmerman pine moth is in my area?
If you are aware of participating ZPMs in the area , you may key out their presence before significant damage is done by look for evidence of their bore holes . They choose to assail either at or below the spot where whorls of branches extend from the trunk , and masses of soft rosin , livid with sawdust or caterpillar waste , indicate an alive plague situation . These moths appear to have a predilection for tree with wounds , that are unhealthy or stressed , or that have been infest before .
Controlling ZPM starts by offer your trees with the best growing environment possible . In the landscape , provision adequate amounts of water and apply mulch to observe grunge moisture . If in spite of your best efforts to keep your conifer healthy ZPM shows up , there are no natural or organic method to control it . Three insect powder have been show to be effective in managing them . Of the three , only one is available in retail stores – Permethrin — which is the active ingredient in Hawaii - Yield Turf and Termite as well as Ornamental 38 Plus . Before applying any chemical substance controls , be sure to say the recording label and follow the instructions . The other products , Chlorantraniliprole and Bifenthrin , should only be utilise by a certified professional .
With the life wheel of ZPM there are only two flow of time when the Caterpillar are outside of their tunnel , making these the most in force times to spray with insect powder . sprayer will not be able to reach the Caterpillar once they have returned to the tunnels . The first time to spray is when caterpillars that have winter over begin to come forth in the spring . Depending upon the weather , this is typically sometime in April . The second prison term when spray is effectual is late summer when eggs are being laid and concoct . This should occur in late July through August .
ZPM has been prove to be extremely destructive in both residential and commercial-grade landscapes . Due to its strong-growing nature , commercial Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree farms need to be more remorseless in their controls by removing septic Tree as quickly as possible to stop the spread head . Early detection and action can trim back the want for removing Tree in the household garden . Make it a habit to keep your plant material for anomalies and discolorations that could indicate a pest has taken up residence . When necessary , consult your local horticultural professionals or online resourcefulness for help to identify the problem and the appropriate course of action , and report your finding to your localcooperative extension servicefor confirmation and to help prevent the spread . With vigilance and treatment , most problems can be overcome , but not all .
— Marti Neely , FAPLD , possess and operates Marti Neely Design and Associates in Omaha , Nebraska .
hunky-dory Gardening Recommended Products
ARS telescope Long Reach Pruner
Fine Gardening receive a committal for items purchased through links on this site , including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs .
Corona Tools 10 - Inch RazorTOOTH fold Saw
Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden , Revised and Updated Second Edition : A Natural Approach to Pest Control
Get our latest tips , how - to articles , and instructional videos institutionalize to your inbox .
Signing you up …
Related Articles
Watch Out for New Garden Pests Heading This Way
Pest Control for the Southern Plains: Pine Wilt Disease
Pest Watch: Pine Shoot Beetle
Pest Alert: Chilli Thrips
Join Fine horticulture for a free charter live webinar have Dr. Janna Beckerman , a renowned flora diagnostician as well as professor emerita at Purdue University and the ornamental proficient director …
When I spotted a particular sand buck cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few months ago , I knew I was in trouble . With a delicious color pattern …
When we only prioritise plants we want over works our landscape need , each season is filled with a never - cease list of task : pruning , pinch , lacrimation , treating , improve , and fertilizing , with …
Subscribe today and save up to 47%
Video
Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat
You must be careful when you enter the backyard of garden designer Jeff Epping — not because you ’re potential to trip on something , but because you might be dive - bombed by a brace …
4 Midsummer Favorites From a Plant Breeder’s Garden
Episode 181: Plants You Can’t Kill
Episode 180: Plants with Big, Bold Foliage
4 Steps to Remove Invasive Plants in Your Yard
All Access extremity get more
signalize up for afree trialand get access to ALL our regional subject , plus the rest of the member - only content library .
Start Free Trial
Get concluded site admission to expert advice , regional content , and more , plus the photographic print magazine .
Start your FREE trial
Already a member?access
Zimmerman pine moth.Photo: courtesy of Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
The second Norway spruce from the right has significant damage from Zimmerman pine moth, compared to the healthy trees in the group.Photo: Marti Neely, FAPLD
Plants infested with Zimmerman pine moth exhibit terminal branches with a downward shepherd’s-crook shape.Photo: Marti Neely, FAPLD
