SUBMITTED REPORT
People may have noticed their Ashe juniper trees, commonly called cedar, turning brown. This most likely is being caused by juniper budworms. There was an outbreak of juniper budworm in 2002 and there was no long term damage caused to the Ashe juniper trees. It is unknown what will happen to the trees from the current outbreak.
Juniper budworms are a yellowish-green to green caterpillar with a brown head capsule. The caterpillars feed on Ashe juniper foliage and build silken tubes on the branches of the trees. The silken tubes are typically on the tips of branches and are where the insect pupates. Adult moths are a mottled brown color and blend well with the dead Ashe juniper foliage. Adults rest on the host plant during the day and do not move unless disturbed.
In rural areas, it may not be feasible to manage the juniper budworms, especially on large parcel of land. Individual landowners may choose to treat prized trees on their property. Infested branch tips can be removed by hand. Do not drop the branch tips on the ground, but instead, place them into a bag and dispose of them.
If a pesticide treatment is desired, look for active ingredients such as Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, azadirachtin (neem) or spinosad. Products will work best on smaller caterpillarts. When using pesticides, read and follow all label instructions.
For more information or help with identification, contact Wizzie Brown, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Program Specialist at 512.854.9600.
