This was sent out from the NCSU pest experts, Steve Bambara and Mike Waldvogel:
Merry Cinara Aphid and a Happy New Year
'Tis the season again for Cinara aphid phone calls on ole Tannenbaum. Cinara aphids are large, brown aphids that feed on the stems of conifers. In the winter, these aphids often become abundant because predators are not as effective in controlling aphid populations in low temperatures. They are common on Christmas trees. They are normally manageable on the live plants in the field and rarely a problem in Fraser fir, but if present, they may become abundant and noticeable on trees taken into the house. After all, there is no place like a home for the holidays.
In the future, it would be best to examine the tree before taking it indoors. Once indoors, a decorated tree could be difficult to treat. These aphids will not bite people and will not damage the house or furnishings.
Control recommendations would be to try to squash as many as possible with your fingers, use insecticidal soap in a hand-held pump spray on the ends of the branches where you see aphids. Don't try to spray an
entire decorated tree. Use a rag or towel as a backing behind the twig you are spraying. Do not use any other household-type pesticides to reduce the chance of exposure to children and pets. One may also try using a vacuum cleaner with the crevice tool, being careful not to suck down that special dough ornament your child made in the first grade.
Check out this photo at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/cinara.htm
