Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid

February 6th, 2023

Eastern spruce gall adelgid is caused by nymphs that live on the needles of the spruce. During the winter a female nymph will lay up to 200 eggs at the same time as new shoot growth. These eggs use a woolly wax-like substance to protect them from any predators, parasites, and the elements. These nymphs eat their way to the bases of the needles causing the stem to form the gall. When summer comes around the nymphs will start eating and turn into winged, egg-laying females.

Eastern spruce gall adelgid affects many spruce trees including Norway, white, red, and Colorado blue spruce trees. The disease forms a gall on new shoots that weaken the stem. This in turn causes the stems to break in high winds or snow. The galls that form can take away from the aesthetic appeal of spruce trees. While doing so they also weaken the tree taking away from its overall health.

Treating adelgid is done by spraying a chemical Orthene or Tempo at the correct time in the spring. There is also a 2% oil spray that can be used in the summer that has not shown as much success. before using any pesticide it is important to follow all guidelines and instructions inorder to merit results.