Canadian Food Inspection Agency
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of hemlock woolly adelgid in several hemlock trees near Grafton, Ontario.
The property owner has been notified of restrictions on the movement of hemlock materials (including logs, branches and woodchips), as a result of this confirmation. The current regulated area could be expanded once the CFIA has completed its survey work.
Although hemlock woolly adelgid poses no threat to human health, it is highly destructive to hemlock trees. Hemlock woolly adelgid is an aphid-like insect that attacks and kills hemlock trees. Its egg sacs, which look like cotton balls or clumps of snow, can be found at the base of needles. It can be spread by wind, animals and human movement of nursery stock, logs, firewood and other wood products.
The CFIA continues to work with federal, provincial, municipal and First Nations partners and organizations to slow the spread of this pest.
Quick facts
- Moving untreated firewood is a common way for invasive insects and diseases to spread
- Hemlock woolly adelgid was first confirmed in Canada in British Columbia in the 1920s. It has since been found in parts of Ontario and Nova Scotia
- The CFIA regulates this pest to protect Canada’s forests, municipal trees and nurseries
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Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
