Western Spruce Budworm
BSOA Special Projects » Tree Pests » Western Spruce Budworm
The Western Spruce Budworm affects Douglas fir, subalpine fir, Englemann spruce, and other non-native fir and spruce. Where budworm populations are flourishing, pines and other conifers can be affected. Look for damaged reddish or gray tips of branches; overall damaged but not dead appearance.
Western Spruce Budworm is the most common and widespread insect that defoliates Douglas and true firs.
What to do now: Aerial application of bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) works extremely well to control western spruce budworm damage.
The BSOA holds title to eight (8) properties constituting 102 acres of land: 26 acres of which are partially forested with spruce. The BSOA is working with Northwest Management, Inc. to aerial spray Bt on the potentailly affected 26 acres. The work will be completed when the budworm is most vulnerable to treatment: usually no earlier than the third week of June and before mid-July. The total cost to treat affected BSOA owned acres is less than $2100.
Timing is critical and spraying should be scheduled before the end of May. The application rate for Spring/Summer 2011 is $75 per acre. If your property includes fir and spruce that could be affected by the budworm, call immediately to schedule aerial spraying of your property. Be prepared to provide the legal description of your property as well as your billing information.
Jim Cancroft
Northwest Management, Inc.
P.O. Box 565 Helena, MT. 569624
Office: (406) 442-7555