The Hamilton Spectator

Invasive bug found in west Hamilton hemlocks

FALLON HEWITT

An invasive insect has been found in hemlock trees in west Hamilton.

The city announced Thursday that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) on both city and Royal Botanical Gardens property, in the forested areas around Churchill Park. With the confirmation of the invasive, aphid-like pest, the CFIA has issued a notice banning the movement of hemlock material — such as firewood, branches and mulch.

HWA can be spread by wind, animals and human movement, according to the CFIA. The insects kill hemlock trees and their presence has resulted in the loss of “whole tracts” of the trees in the United States.

“Hemlock shades forest streams from summer sun and allows coldwater fish like brook trout to survive, and it provides shelter for deer and birds in winter,” states the agency.

The city said hemlocks make up a “small portion” of Hamilton’s forest inventory, with just 321 trees on streets and in parks and cemeteries, meaning the threat for those areas is low. However, the city also noted the potential impact of HWA on hemlocks in both publicly and privately owned woodlots is “harder to quantify” due to a lack of data.

HWA can be identified by its egg sacs, which are typically found at the bottom of needles and look like cotton or snow clumps, according to the CFIA.

The city is asking residents who have hemlock trees to inspect them. Those who suspect a tree within Hamilton may be infested are asked to call the CFIA at 905572-2201.

LOCAL

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2023-04-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-04-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thespec.pressreader.com/article/281595244796781

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