According to reports, Michigan Department of Natural Resources forest health staff is mapping the degree of spruce budworm's damage to balsam fir and white spruce in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula this year.

As per reports, the outbreak of these insects was stopped in Michigan during the 1980s. According to experts, there could be a new outbreak, which could remain a problem for over several years. Bob Heyd, a DNR forest health specialist in Marquette, said the spruce budworm has ended feeding in the majority of areas for the year; some larvae are still consuming needles, however most of them have developed into pupae.

The budworm has damaged numerous trees over the past few years. This insect is among the most vicious native insects that are found in the northern spruce and fir forests of the eastern United States and Canada.

According to Heyd, "Many areas in the western U. P. were hit last year for the first time, yet other areas have been hit off and on for several years. Spruce budworm is much more widespread this year. The damage varies throughout the area".

According to experts, budworm outbreaks are related to natural cycle of events that are linked to growth of balsam fir and white spruce to become mature. Major outbreaks lead to extensive top kill and tree mortality in every 30 to 50 years.

The budworms attack balsam fir to the largest extent. As per reports, 67% of the balsam fir and 42% of the white spruce were killed during last outbreak in Michigan.