Disease	Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Host Plants	Hemlock trees
Description	White woolly masses lining stems at the base of needles.  This pest is capable of severely weakening and killing its host plants.  Previously stressed plants may die in 3-5 years without proper control strategies
About the pest	The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is a tiny insect that is closely related to the aphids.  Adelgids, in general, are associated with conifers and produce galls and/or woolly masses.  The HWA only produces woolly masses.  Plants growing in stressful sites (compacted soils, ledgy soils, poor drainage, drought prone, etc.) are much more apt to succumb within 3-5 years from this pest's invasion.  Hemlocks in more natural (healthier) settings, such as the forest, have been shown to withstand infestations longer.  Once found in the landscape or nursery, management is usually necessary.
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