The hemlock woolly adelgid is a tiny insect with an enormous capacity for destruction in a complex ecosystem.  And when the question is, "How can we get rid of these pests?" the answer is far from easy.  Sadly, the short answer is that we cannot, and probably never will, get rid of them completely. 

Perhaps the more appropriate question is "How can we control them?"  Again, the answer is not simple, but scientists believe that by using a combination of methods, it may be possible to control HWA populations and the damage they cause to such an extent that the hemlocks can survive and even thrive again.

There are three main categories of HWA controls: cultural, chemical, and biological.  Property owners should use a combination of cultural techniques and chemical treatments for the most reliable and cost-effective HWA control.

High priority stands of hemlocks on public lands (national forests, state parks, recreational areas, etc.) are being treated with carefully managed programs of chemical and/or biological controls; please see Hemlock Conservation Areas (HCAs).

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•  Some Imidacloprid products in liquid formulations are more economical than the powdered products.  They will have the designation 2F or 2L in their names. 

•  Generic Imidacloprid products, either powdered or liquid, are generally less expensive than the brand name products.

•  See the  Chemical Treatment page for product names, labels, and safety data sheets; the Contacts page for sources to purchase products, and the Resources page for application instructions. 

•  Also see our document Chemicals, Contacts, & Sources.