Balsam Twig Aphid
More insecticides are used to control the balsam twig aphid than any other pest in Fraser fir grown in western North Carolina. Scouting is key to twig aphid management. Managing ground covers are important in providing a habitat for predators.
Online Information
CTN 19: Balsam Twig Aphid on Fraser Fir – fact sheet with life cycle, scouting, threatment thresholds, and pesticide choices
Focus on Aphid Control – includes control of twig aphids and Cinara aphids
Pest Predators – many of which feed on twig aphids
Photo Gallery
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- A balsam twig aphid egg
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- A twig aphid hatching from an egg
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- Adult balsam twig aphid
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- Many twig aphids waiting for the bud to break to feed in succulent new growth
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- Winged twig aphids can be found in May
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- Predators like lady bugs eat the majority of twig aphids
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- Scout for twig aphids in cones by pushing up the bracts
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- Twig aphids will feed in developing cones before the shoots develop
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- Some curled needles will straighten through the summer
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- Twig aphids feeding on shoots after they have matured some will no longer cause needle curl
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- Twig aphids can attack seedlings growing in greenhouses