Spruce budworm backgroundThe Spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) is a native insect that can cause major damage to Maine’s spruce-fir forests. Spruce budworm (SBW) larvae feed on the buds and needles of fir and spruce. Usually, populations of this insect are so low that SBW is hard to find. Periodically, SBW undergoes a population outbreak and