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Adelgids are difficult to see on conifers until
mid-summer when the normally black aphids, cover themselves in a white
woolly fleece for protection. Young conifers can suffer a worrying
degree of damage, but the Adelgids can also affect mature specimens if
not treated. As they bore into the bases of the leaflets, this can cause
leaf (needle) drop resulting in a weakening of the conifer if not
controlled.
Conifers are relatively trouble free plants suffering
little in the way of problems. Regular inspection should be carried out
on prized specimens to catch such pests before they do too much damage.
The aphids bore through the bark of young conifer
twigs, and often leave scar tissue after the infestation.
Systemic insecticide such as Provado, or drench them
with contact insecticide containing Bifenthrin. In late autumn, good
specimen conifers can be sprayed with horticultural oil. This will kill
most overwintering pests before they cause damage the following spring.
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