The hemlock woolly adelgid is a tiny insect from east Asia that attacks forest and ornamental hemlock trees. It feeds on
young twigs, causing needles to dry out and drop prematurely. Trees may die in four to six years. Some survive, but with
sparse foliage, losing their value as shelter for wildlife and their ability to shade streams. Hemlock is our 7th most common
tree, so this insect will have a major impact if it becomes established in Vermont.
Where is the pest?
Hemlock woolly adelgid was observed in Virginia in the early 1950’s and has now spread from Georgia to Maine. In 2007, it was found on native trees in Vermont for the first time. It is now known to occur in seven Windham County towns. Some trees have been infested for several years.
What’s being done about it?
Tactics used to combat hemlock woolly adelgid infestations include release of natural enemies like predatory beetles and pathogenic fungi, preserving genetic resistance, regulations to prevent the movement of infested hemlocks, and pesticide treatments.
HWA locations as of November 2011
What are we doing in Vermont?
The Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation is collaborating with the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets and the states of New Hampshire and Maine to manage the insect and to find out more about how it affects trees as it moves north. The U.S. Forest Service helps support these projects.
Surveys
Citizen volunteers have been trained and are assisting with detection surveys in Bennington, Windsor and Windham Counties.
Quarantines
A quarantine regulates the movement of hemlock from infested counties.
Control
We are participating in forest impact and management research projects in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and local universities.
A cold-hardy predatory beetle from the northwestern U.S. has been released in infested stands in Windham County. We have also used pathogenic fungi and chemical treatments to slow the spread of the insect.
Recommendations
Familiarize yourself with hemlock woolly adelgid and look for potential infestations. The most obvious sign is a
white, woolly mass found on the underside of twigs at the base of needles. If you’re interested in doing more,
volunteer to participate in the citizen monitoring program.
Remove bird feeders and baths from early April until August, to reduce spread by birds.
When purchasing hemlocks, check that they don’t come from areas with hemlock woolly adelgid.
If shipping hemlock products out of Windham County, stay abreast of changing quarantine regulations.
Don’t rush to salvage hemlock. Our cold winter temperatures can be lethal to hemlock woolly adelgid.
This insect will have a major impact if it spreads into Vermont. The sooner we find new infestations, the better our chances of slowing its spread to other trees nearby or to other areas, and of eradicating it where it has been detected.
If you suspect this pest occurs in your area or for more information, contact the Forest Biology Lab at 802-879-5687, or
Windsor & Windham Counties
Springfield (802) 885-8845
Bennington & Rutland Counties
Rutland (802) 786-3851
Addison, Chittenden & Grand Isle Counties
Essex Junction (802) 879-6565
Lamoille, Orange & Washington Counties
Barre (802) 476-0170
Caledonia, Orleans & Essex Counties
St. Johnsbury (802) 751-0110
VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, February 2012.
![Vermont Division of Forestry [photo]](../img/banner_protection.jpg)
