Treat the trunks of transplanted large spruce with carbaryl or chlorpyrifos, which are labeled in Connecticut for this use, to protect them. New transplants should also be maintained with adequate irrigation to prevent stress. Small spruce bud scale, Physokermes hemicryphus . This insect occurs primarily on spruce, but it also attacks fir. There is one generation a year.
Winter is passed in an immature condition at the base of the terminal buds.
Eggs hatch during early June and the young attack the new growth. A dormant horticultural oil spray will control the overwintering scales, but the overall color of white or blue spruces are affected by oil. Chlorpyrifos or malathion, which are among the compounds registered for control of this pest in Connecticut, sprayed when the young scales are active in mid-June will give satisfactory results. Consult the labels for dosage rates and safety precautions. Spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana .