Hemlock Hedges and Biocontrol
Landowners can be especially helpful in our biocontrol research program. While we are presently maintaining a Laricobius colony at Cornell University, these beetles can only be reared in small numbers in a lab setting. That is why we are asking for the help of those who have hemlock hedges on their properties. These hedges can potentially serve as nursery sites for our biocontrol bugs, providing a valuable resource for hemlock conservation going forward.
Hemlock Hedges
Hedges are an important resource in the rearing of biocontrol populations. Not only are they excellent sources of hemlock habitat for insects, they are also easy to monitor, reach, and harvest biocontrol agents from when it comes time to release the insects at infested forest sites. An ideal hemlock hedge is one that is still healthy but still has an HWA infestation and has low levels of disturbance such as mowing or gardening beneath it.
If you have any questions about our hemlock hedge program or would like to see if your hedge is a good fit do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Provide a Good Home for Biocontrol Bugs
You can use our Hemlock Hedge Growing and Maintenance Guide to find helpful tips for planting your own hemlocks hedge, or maintaining the one you already have for hosting biocontrols:
Get Involved
Even if your hedge is not infested, we’d still like to know about it! We will put you on our hedge list and give you updates on HWA in your area. When your hedge becomes infested, let us know and we will see if it is a good fit for our hemlock hedge insectary program.
