Cypress tip moth and allies

Cypress tip moth and related species produce webbing and damage at juniper and cypress shoot tips, causing dieback and deformation of new growth. You will see brownish, wilted shoot tips with entry holes and silk webbing in late spring and early summer. The affected tips eventually turn brown and fail to elongate, leaving bare branches and ragged plant form. Damage accumulates season after season on heavily infested trees.

Prune out infested shoot tips below visible damage and dispose of them in sealed bags to destroy larvae. This simple removal controls light infestations effectively. Maintain plant vigor through adequate watering; stressed junipers are more attractive to moths. Monitor new growth regularly during late spring for early signs of damage. Dormant oil spray applied in late winter may reduce overwintering populations. Most infestations remain light enough that pruning alone keeps appearance acceptable.