Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in Central New York
The hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae), a small, aphidlike insect that threatens the health of eastern hemlocks
(Tsuga canadensis) was detected for the first time in Tompkins, Seneca, Yates,
and Schuyler Counties, New York, in 2008 and now appears to be spreading.
We need your help in determining the extent of the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) infestation in central New York.
Report new local HWA observations using our
Sign-up for a workshop
at the Cornell Plantations to learn how to detect and monitor HWA.
Heavy HWA infestation (above). Image credit: Mark Whitmore, Cornell Department of Natural Resources
Look for these signs of HWA infestation on your hemlocks:
- White woolly masses at the base of needles on undersides of hemlock twigs
- Off-color needles, often with a grayish cast
- Premature needle drop and twig dieback
Light HWA infestation (below). Image credit: Mark Whitmore, Cornell Department of Natural Resources.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Resources
US Forest Service
HWA Fact Sheet
General information about HWA from
the Northeastern Area of the US Forest Service - includes impacts, control
recommendations, and distribution maps.
Information from the NY
Department of Environmental Conservation.
Don't be fooled by these Look-alikes - They are not hemlock woolly adelgid!
Many things look like hemlock woolly adelgid at first glance. On closer inspection, they can be ruled out either because of their texture, their location or another characteristic. Remember, HWA will usually be found on the undersides of twigs at the bases of needles and is coated with a waxy material. When in doubt, contact us.
For more information about what you can do about hemlock woolly adelgid in central New York, please contact
Mark Whitmore, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University
or Jerry Carlson, Lands and
Forests Division, NY Department of Environmental Conservation.