Root weevil

The Douglas-fir twig weevil attacks a wide range of hosts throughout Western Washington, with gray-black adult weevils about 4-5mm long causing mild foliar feeding and creating small shot-like holes. Larvae cause most obvious injury by killing terminal and lateral branches, often resulting in forked tops and distorted branch architecture.

Serious for Christmas tree growers since girdled twigs make trees unmarketable. Keep trees healthy and avoid stress. Remove infested twigs on young trees. For commercial production, monitor terminals in spring and remove affected growth. Maintain vigor through proper irrigation.