Juniper tip midge

Juniper tip midge larvae develop inside the growing tips of juniper branches, causing the terminal buds to swell and distort in late spring through early summer. Affected tips brown and die back, creating a blighted appearance on branch terminals. The small, pale larvae remain inside the gall structures; you only observe the plant damage. Heavy infestations create noticeable branch death and loss of plant form.

Prune out affected branch terminals as soon as wilting or browning is observed. For recurring problems, monitor for tip swelling starting in late April and remove affected growth before larvae mature. Apply spinosad or biological insecticides to tips if midges have been problematic. Maintain adequate soil moisture and avoid plant stress. Focus pruning to maintain plant form.