Is an adelgid an aphid?

Adelgids are small, aphid-like insects that are always associated with conifers. At one time, they were considered to be aphids but now are in their own family (adelgidae) within the insect order Homoptera. They are most closely related to the woolly aphids (Eriosomatidae) and the Phylloxeran aphids (Phylloxeridae).

What kills woolly adelgid?

Homeowners and private landowners have two treatment options: 1) spray foliage with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil at the proper times during the HWA life cycle, or 2) use a systemic insecticide that moves with the tree sap and is consumed by the adelgids as they feed.

Is hemlock adelgid woolly invasive?

The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA, Adelges tsugae) is an aphid-like, invasive insect that poses a serious threat to forest and ornamental hemlock trees (Tsuga spp.) in eastern North America.

Why is the hemlock woolly adelgid an invasive species?

Hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae, is an invasive insect in eastern North America. DNA evidence suggests that the invasive eastern U.S. population came from Japan and not the western United States, where the species feeds on western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla [Raf.]

What is the white stuff on my hemlock?

Each little white ball of wool, called an egg sac, is actually wax secreted by an adelgid. The adelgids feed at the base of the needles, where the needles attach to the woody portion of the shoot.

How did Hwa get here?

HWA is believed to have been accidentally transported to western United States from Asia, from either Japan or China. The insect then spread throughout the US probably by the transport of infested hemlock trees. Spread occurs from planted trees to native trees.

How does wooly adelgid spread?

How do hemlock woolly adelgids spread? Hemlock woolly adelgids are spread by wind, birds, and mammals. Infested nursery stock can also be responsible for introducing this insect into a given area.

When were the woolly adelgids introduced to the US?

HWA was introduced to the western United States in the 1920s. It was first observed in the eastern US in 1951 near Richmond, Virginia after an accidental introduction from Japan. HWA has since spread along the East Coast from Georgia to Maine and now occupies nearly half the eastern range of native hemlocks.

How did tamarisk get here?

The plant, also called tamarisk, began to take root in the United States in the 1800s, with federal government approval to bring in the bush, originally from Europe, to help control erosion.