Are these pests going to kill my tree?

Most spruce pests are manageable if caught early. They rarely kill a mature tree unless the infestation is ignored for years.

Should I use a systemic pesticide?

Avoid systemic chemicals unless absolutely necessary, as they can harm beneficial insects that help control the pest population.

How do I know if my spruce tree has pests? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Shake a branch over white paper to check for mites.
Inspect the twigs for unusual bumps or gall formations.
Look for sticky residue or honeydew on the needles.

Likely causes

Spider mites
Most likely
How to tell: Needles look stippled or pale and you might see fine webbing between the branches. Shake a branch over a white piece of paper to see if tiny specks move.
What to do: Spray the tree with a strong stream of water to dislodge the mites. If the infestation is heavy, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spruce gall adelgids
Possible
How to tell: You see pineapple shaped growths or galls on the twigs. These are caused by tiny insects feeding on the new growth.
What to do: Prune and destroy the galls before they open in the summer. For severe cases, apply a dormant oil spray in early spring.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your spruce

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the infestation is causing significant needle loss or branch dieback, you should treat it immediately. Small numbers of pests are often managed by natural predators.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree healthy with proper watering, as stressed trees are much more attractive to pests.

Spruce: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spruce and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are these pests going to kill my tree?: Most spruce pests are manageable if caught early. They rarely kill a mature tree unless the infestation is ignored for years.
Should I use a systemic pesticide?: Avoid systemic chemicals unless absolutely necessary, as they can harm beneficial insects that help control the pest population.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

How do I know if my spruce tree has pests?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your spruce?