Department of Conservation

AUGUSTA, Maine – (June 7, 2001) Maine’s native hemlocks, which contribute $500 million to the state’s economy annually, are still threatened by the tiny insect pest, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (pronounced uh-DEL-jid). The Department of Conservation’s Maine Forest Service warns homeowners that despite last year’s public response to check residential hemlocks, there remain unaccounted, infested trees planted in neighborhoods.

Currently, MFS staff are tracking 65 sites where trees were exposed to the HWA pest before they were planted. To prevent infestation, the Forest Service is once again asking homeowners to check for the HWA pest and, as an added precaution, to not bring hemlock trees into Maine from other states.

Maine Forest Service Director Tom Doak points to Maine’s green industry as a vital resource to the public in the ongoing mission to keep Maine’s forests free from Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. “Our Maine greenhouse and nursery owners can provide homeowners with healthy hemlock trees or advice on alternative tree species,” said Director Doak. Trees purchased from other areas of the country may not meet Maine’s quarantine – the toughest in the nation – that regulates the importation of hemlock trees and logs into the state.

“On behalf of the greenhouses and nursery owners throughout the state, I pledge our commitment to keeping this pest out of Maine’s native hemlocks,” stated Terry Skillins, owner of Skillins Greenhouse and representative of Maine’s green industry.

The MFS is launching an educational outreach campaign that includes a public service announcement and print advertisement. To date, 22 sites containing 84 infested trees have been located, in addition to the 65 sites the MFS is currently tracking. These findings demonstrate why homeowners who planted hemlock trees within the last five years or who have hemlocks should check for the pest now through the first of July. This time period is critical because the HWA pest is conspicuous now, making it easy for homeowners to see. The HWA pest poses no threat to humans, only to hemlocks.

HWA Pest Check

1. Check the underside of twigs at the base of the needles of hemlock trees.
2. Look for one or more small puffy, white balls the size of the tip of a cotton ear swab.
3. If you identify or suspect HWA infestation, do not disturb the tree in any way.
4. Contact the Maine Forest Service at 1-800-367-0223 immediately.

Information about the HWA pest is posted on the agency’s Web site at www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/ The Maine Forest Service’s primary goal is to promote informed decisions about Maine’s forests.