Biological Control of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) was discovered in southeastern Kentucky for the first time in spring of 2006. Up through 2012, HWA surveys were supported by the CAPS Program (Cooperative Agricultural Pest Surveys) to determine the number of infestations in the state and these results were uploaded each year into the NAPIS database. After the initial find, individuals from the University of Kentucky (UK) Department of Entomology worked with the USFS to conduct imidacloprid soil injections in sites such as nature preserves to protect the hemlocks. This method is not economically or logistically feasible. The best long-term option for control of HWA in Kentucky is biological control. Since 2008, we have traveled to Seattle twice to collect Laricobius nigrinus beetles, we have obtained beetles from the Virginia Tech rearing lab, and, more recently, we have made several collecting trips to Banner Elk, North Carolina, where there has been great success getting the Laricobius beetles established. We are applying for funds that will allow us to continue and increase our biological control program for HWA in eastern Kentucky.