Hemlock Woody Adelgid
The hemlock woolly adelgid is a serious pest of eastern hemlock. It may also infest nearby spruce and fir. It establishes itself right where the needles meet the twigs and feeds on the juices. It will secrete a white, waxy covering that resembles very small cotton balls. This makes it easy to spot.
Severe infestations will eventually kill the tree. It is often found on the same plant as another pest, the elongate hemlock scale, which makes this even more serious. Fortunately, we have options for control of this pest.