Control Hints Unlike the Cooley spruce gall adelgid, this pest has no alternate host. The life cycle is completed on a single suitable host plant. Well timed sprays are generally the most effective controls. However, certain cultivars of Norway and white spruces have demonstrated some resistance. Try to select uninfested nursery stock which has not been sprayed regularly for control of this pest.
Trees lacking galls are more likely to be resistant.
Dormant Oil Sprays - Dormant oil, applied in October and November or in April, is very effective against this pest. Be sure to use a good quality oil and spray before buds have doubled their winter size. See Bulletin 504 for the currently listed insecticides. This is usually before the bud sheaths become loose. See Bulletin 504 for the currently listed insecticides.