This document provides steps to prevent the further spread of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect that infests and kills hemlock trees. The steps include educating oneself and others, checking hemlocks for signs of infestation, preventing the movement of infested tree limbs or branches which can spread HWA, trimming trees to avoid spreading HWA to other areas, and removing bird feeders during active HWA months to reduce birds from carrying the insect to other trees. Proper treatment of infested trees and following label laws with insecticides is also recommended to control HWA and protect water sources.

1. How to prevent further
spread of HWA

2. Step 1. Educate yourself.
Step 2. Educate your friends, family &
neighbors.
Step 3. Check out hemlocks-even healthy
looking ones!
Step 4. Prevent the further spread.
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3. Do not move infested limbs!
This is a very, very efficient way to
spread HWA all over town.
Prevent further spread!

4. Trim your trees!
Your vehicle can become a
vector when infected branches
brush its roof or sides.
We have a documented account of spread
from Muskegon to Zeeland this way.
Prevent further spread!

5. Remove bird feeders during active months
Birds as known vectors. HWA is only active April-August. Birds easily
spread HWA. Remove bird feeders that are near hemlock trees.
Prevent further spread!

6. Step 1. Educate yourself
Step 2. Educate your friends, family & neighbors.
Step 3. Check out hemlocks-even healthy looking ones!
Step 4. Prevent the further spread.
Step 5. Report It!
Step 6. Treat infested trees.

7. Heed label laws!
We want to help you with
treatment, but if you are
treating on your own,
heed the label laws. The
insecticide that effectively
treats HWA can
contaminate groundwater
if not used appropriately.
Treat infected trees!

8. Don’t forget…

9. saveMIhemlocks.org
Protect our forests.
Protect our water.