Researchers recently discovered a Hemlock Wooley Adelgid (HWA) infestation near Grafton which they say could have a detrimental effect on hemlock trees in the province.
HWA are aphid-like insects about the size of a grain of pepper that pose no threat to humans but are highly destructive to hemlock trees.
Dr. Chris MacQuarrie of Natural Resources Canada told us how they found the tiny insects.
According to Dr. MacQuarrie, the insects themselves are not wooly.
Dr. MacQuarrie told us hemlock trees in Ontario are particularly susceptible to HWA.
MacQuarrie explained what to do if you find evidence of HWA.
Dr. MacQuarrie credits the team’s find saying that early detection will go a long way to helping to control these destructive insects.
Often HWA can go undetected for years before being identified and this find is concerning because it is much deeper than in the only other known active population in Ontario which is in the Niagara region.
(Written by Joseph Goden)
