Prepared by:
Jill Sidebottom, Ph.D.
Area Extension Forestry Specialist, Mountain Conifer IPM
Extension Forestry, College of Natural Resources

Original September 2005. Update April 2019

Introduction

Cinara are a group of several species of large brown or black aphids that feed on many conifers including Fraser fir and white pines. Each species of aphid feeds on a particular host.

In most instances, Cinara aphids have no apparent effect on Fraser fir Christmas trees. They are easy prey to predators such as ladybugs, and usually disappear after several weeks. However, Cinara aphids can promote the growth of sooty mold, a black fungus on the foliage growing on the honeydew, excrement produced by the aphids. In rare instances during years of drought, extremely high numbers of Cinara aphids feeding on trees before bud break can reduce terminal growth and produce smaller, yellow-green needles on the upper whorl of branches. However, by far the greatest cause for concern with Cinara aphids is that they are a nuisance to consumers once the Christmas tree is set up in the home.

Cinara aphids survive below freezing temperatures, thriving in cold weather when few predators are present. Consequently, live aphids can potentially be found on trees at harvest time. With warmer temperatures indoors, these aphids become active and start to reproduce by producing live young. As the tree dries out, the aphids crawl from the tree to decorations, gifts and furnishings. Due to their large size and rounded appearance, consumers often mistake them for ticks. Though Cinara aphids do not bite or sting, carry diseases, or feed on any other type of plant besides firs, they do leave a purple stain on fabrics when squashed, making them a costly mess.

Cinara Aphid Appearance. Cinara aphids are some of the largest aphids found in the world, Cinara aphids are usually dark in color appearing brown to black. The young are smaller versions of the adult. Cinara strobi, the Cinara aphid found on eastern white pine, has white spots on the rear of the abdomen. Cinara aphids eggs are black and oblong and are found singly on the base of the needles. They are only rarely produced and seldom seen.

Cinara Aphid Lifecycle. As these aphids are not widely studied, not much is known about the lifecycle. Like most aphids, Cinara aphids produce live young which allows a quick build up of the population. Commonly found in an aphid colony are a few large aphids found with many smaller ones. They may lay eggs on needles in the fall. Eggs have not been shown to hatch when moved to warmer temperatures in a house or greenhouse, and probably require a day-length trigger. Egg production is not common in western North Carolina. Some Cinara aphids have wings, though like most aphids, they are not good at flying.

Where Cinara Aphids Are Found. The Cinara aphids typically live in large colonies of up to several hundred aphids. In the spring, Cinara aphids tend to congregate on the terminal, trunk, and upper whorl of branches. In the fall, perhaps because of cooler temperatures, Cinara aphids are more commonly found lower on the trunk and on the lower branches where they are hidden from view.

Trees harboring Cinara aphids can be of any size. There may be only a dozen to several hundred trees with aphids while the rest remain aphid-free. Trees with aphids are often found in sheltered areas along wooded field edges.

Scouting for Cinara Aphids. Cinara aphids are not easy to spot in a field. A little like finding a needle in a haystack, growers can still be on the lookout for Cinara aphids whenever they are in their trees and scout for them specifically in the fall.

Always carry flagging tape in the field to mark aphid-infested trees. Whenever aphids are observed, flag that tree, and examine adjacent trees to determine the extent of the infestation. Train all Christmas farmworkers to recognize what Cinara aphids look like, and encourage everyone working in your trees to mark infested trees. If aphid colonies are observed in the spring or summer, they will most likely be gone by fall, making an insecticide application unnecessary. However, be sure to keep an eye on the colonies, checking them once a month to determine if they are expanding or not. In most instances, Cinara aphids will disappear from a field in a few weeks or months and not be found again. It is possible that the aphids may inhabit a field for a year or more, making insecticide applications necessary if trees are to be harvested.

To look specifically for aphids in go-to-market trees, scout fields in September and October for aphids. Walk through trees in a random pattern, looking for aphids on the terminals and trunks and for wasp activity. Wasps and yellow jackets are attracted to the honeydew excreted by the aphids. If they are observed flying around foliage or back into the canopy, look closer to determine if aphids are present. Beat the foliage lower in the canopy over a beater board to dislodge aphids.

Even with careful scouting, Cinara aphids can still be missed. The final strategy for finding Cinara aphids is to be on the lookout for them during harvest. Train all employees harvesting trees what Cinara aphids look like. Also, tell employees to look for aphids if they find any purple stains on their hands or gloves while handling trees. Cinara aphids when squashed will leave a purple stain similar to pokeberries. If these stains are found, look closer on trees for aphids.

Cinara aphids can also be observed in trees put on a tree shaker. Though shakers will not remove all the aphids, some will fall out.

Control of Cinara Aphids in the Field. If Cinara aphids are found in the fall on trees to be harvested, treat with an appropriate insecticide as soon as possible. The only thing that makes Cinara aphids difficult to control is if they are found back in the canopy of tree. Any good insecticide will control them if coverage is adequate. Using a high pressure sprayer will ensure adequate coverage. An airblast mistblower may not if trees are large and dense.

Choose an insecticide that does not have a long residual to reduce problems with worker exposure or pesticide residues on the harvested tree. For instance, a product such as Talstar (bifenthrin) is odorless and a commonly used household insecticide, with few health problems associated it. Treating at least two weeks before harvest should alleviate any concerns about worker exposure to pesticides.

Control of Cinara Aphids on Harvested Trees. If aphids are not observed until trees are harvested, control is more difficult. Treating harvested or baled trees is often not effective. Also there is the risk of exposure to pesticides among workers and customers. Infested trees should be isolated. They can be washed with water to remove aphids. They can also be treated with an insecticide, and left to dry for several days.

Control of Cinara Aphids on the Tree Lot. Christmas tree lot operators should also be aware of the possibility of finding Cinara aphids on their Christmas trees. Teach anyone working on the lot to be aware that if their hands or gloves have purple stains, this may indicate that Cinara aphids are present. Shaking every tree before it leaves the lot will help identify trees that are harboring Cinara aphids. Washing trees with a water hose before they are set up for display will also dislodge aphids, identifying problem trees. Washing trees will also remove dust and pollen, common allergens, for the consumer.

If trees are identified with Cinara aphids, tree lot operators should inform the grower they purchased the trees from. Trees can be treated with a household insecticide, or insecticidal soap. Use caution when applying flammable materials to cut trees. Carefully observe trees over a couple of days to see if any more aphids are found. If not, trees can be made available for sale.

Control of Cinara Aphids for the Consumer. In many instances, customers have already purchased a tree, set it up in the home and decorated it beforeCinara aphids are discovered. Trees can be treated with a household aerosol spray insecticide or insecticidal soap. Vacuum up any aphids that are on furnishings with a vacuum cleaner that does not have a beater bar. Do not squash or smear aphids as they will leave a purple stain. If after treatment aphids reappear, remove the tree from the home.

Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your county Cooperative Extension agent.