From New York north, this insect has only one generation. South of this line, there are usually two generations and south of South Carolina, three generations are found. In Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, the first generation of larvae are found in May through early-June and the second generation is found in July, August and September. Control Hints Best control is obtained when the larvae are still small, so look for the needles with rows of spots which indicate egg laying, or look for the straw-like needles left by the young larvae feeding. Remember that some prepupae remain dormant for two seasons so elimination of active larvae in one season does not guarantee that the larvae will not be back for a second generation or the next year.
Rodents often feed on the prepupae and pupae in the duff.
These agents are sufficient in natural stands of pines but are not adequate in most urban areas, Christmas tree plantations or ornamental nurseries. Mechanical Control - Colonies of larvae can be easily removed by clipping off the infested branch. Place these branches in a plastic bag and destroy. Colonies can also be knocked off by sharply striking the infested branch. Crush the larvae or knock into a pail of soapy water.