Knowledgebase

Tiny black bugs massing on ends of white, red pine and spruce trees #787936

Asked April 25, 2022, 10:54 AM EDT

i have a cottage on a lake in Hale, Michigan. As soon as winter ended two weeks ago, I've been seeing quick browning on my 10 white pines, one red pine tho the red seems more resistant and a serbian spruce tree. These are very large white pines and young ones and I'm very worried I'll lose them fast. What can I spray to save them? The little spruce is already dead (died in one week) but I'd like to save the white pines (I have 12 in my yard). What are these? I'm desperate - this is FAST moving. Please (Redacted) or email.

Ogemaw County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Katheryn,

Those look like chironomid midges aka non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae).  These harmless insects are not killing your white pines.

Chironomids are small harmless mosquito-like flies that are generally encountered in large swarms around lakes and other aquatic habitats. The larvae or immature stages occur in nearly every habitat that is aquatic or wet. Many species are also found in soil and other moist terrestrial environments that are rich in organic matter. Most species of chironomids are quite specific in the habitat in which they develop and are often used as biological indicators of water quality. Adult emergence occurs from early spring throughout the summer with each species having a more or less restricted period of emergence. The adult flies live for a very short time and die shortly after mating and egg laying. Shortly after emergence males form large swarms to attract females. Chironomids represent a large family of flies with over 750 North American species. Midge larvae are an important food item for many freshwater fish and other aquatic animals. Because adult chironomids are so short-lived, chemical control of these flies outdoors is usually not required and would most likely be ineffective. It is best to wait for them to disappear on their own. Adult flies can be easily controlled indoors with a fly swatter orany household aerosol insecticide, like Raid.

Best regards,

Howard

*Tell us about your experience with our service by completing the brief (3 min.), anonymous MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Survey

Howard Russell, Entomologist Replied April 25, 2022, 1:47 PM EDT
Hmmmm. Then why are the tips of the white pines dying where these black things are attached?  I know we have gnats swarming and other things like that, these are different and attached to the end of the white pine shoots enmasse killing them.  The pines are turning brown where they are attached and they are all over the pines more than any other year thus so much yellowing and browning.  I've seen pine beetle and it is not that (killed a massive spruce tree in a few days).  Sawfly?
On 04/25/2022 1:47 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied April 25, 2022, 5:37 PM EDT
Another possible clue, there were lady bugs on the pine trees.... pine tree aphids?  Pine bark Anelgid?  (Tho there was a little white stuff not very much at all)
On 04/25/2022 1:47 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied April 25, 2022, 5:43 PM EDT

Nope, not sawflies, they are midges.

Howard Russell, Entomologist Replied April 25, 2022, 6:36 PM EDT

Loading ...