• McKnight, M.E.
  USDA Forest Service
  703-235-8230
  
• Buckner, C.H.
  Canadian Forestry Service
  613-997-2175
  

The spruce budworm and its close relative, the western spruce budworm, have long been recognized as being among the most harmful forest pests of North America. The current outbreak in the eastern part of the continent has infested some 370 million hectares of forest, while in the west there are almost 100 million vulnerable hectares; these ravages have continued for many years despite repeated, extensive aerial spraying programs.