Previous Extension studies in Albuquerque suggest that controlling the first generation of moths prevents significant damage to the trees, Cain said. Hatching dates for the first generation vary from year to year, but usually occur in early May in the Albuquerque area. In areas where buds have not yet expanded, homeowners should trim the old, dead shoots off the trees and collect and destroy them. This removes many of the overwintering pupae, Cain explained. New Mexico has at least eight different species of pine tip moth.
All species feed on the shoots and new growth.
The Nantucket pine tip moth, introduced to the state in the early 1980s on infested nursery stock, causes the most severe injury to landscape pines planted in many parts of New Mexico. The moth is most abundant in southern New Mexico and along the Rio Grande Valley into Albuquerque. It was first noticed in Santa Fe about five years ago and has become more common there every year since. Ponderosa pines in northern New Mexico and Afghan pines in southern New Mexico are most severely damaged. Heavily infested trees are easily recognized by the hollowed-out, dead shoots, Cain said.