Please be on the lookout!
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) anyone who has eastern hemlock trees on their property should look for signs of hemlock woolly adelgid. In addition, anyone who hunts, hikes or is out in wooded areas can look for signs of this invasive insect.
It is easiest to see the signs of this invasive species in the winter. They feed in the cooler temperatures and secrete a white, waxy material that creates ovisacs. The sign to look for is the round, white masses that look like cotton balls. They can be single or in clumps.
These insects are not native to Michigan and can cause significant damage to the 170 million hemlock trees found here. Hemlocks can be protected from these insects with proper insecticide treatments.
Reports can be made by email MDA-Info@Michigan.gov or by phone 800-292-3939.
For more information on identification, reporting and treatment, visit the Michigan Invasive Species Programs hemlock woolly adelgid page at Michigan.gov/HWA
