Fact Sheet

Pine Bark Adelgid

Have you noticed white cotton on pine trees, or cottony patches on the trunk or branches that look like snow or mold?

It may be from a condition called pine bark adelgid. This is an infestation of reddish-brown insects that hide beneath the waxy coating.

The Problem

Pine bark adelgids spend the winter as immature females, then mature and lay eggs in late April. When the eggs hatch, both winged and wingless nymphs emerge, but only the wingless insects stay on the tree. They feed on the sap in the trunk and branches, which can weaken the tree. Four generations per year can occur. A heavy infestation can make a tree more likely to attract bark beetles.

Symptoms and signs include:

Reduced branch and tree vigor
Stunted growth
Poor needle color
Branch death

Co-occurring issues or look-alike symptoms:
Construction/root damage, sap rot fungi.

The Vineland Prescription

For pine bark adelgid treatment, treat visible adelgids and trunk and branches.
Washing adelgids off with a high-pressure hose may control many infestations and improve the appearance of the tree.

The Prognosis

Removing adelgids can normally improve the appearance of the tree and will provide good control of feeding as well. The tree will generally recover quickly after treatment.

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