Buy local greenery to avoid invasive pests
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), is reminding consumers to check for possible invasive pests before purchasing holiday décor. In previous years, plant health inspectors have intercepted evergreen decorations infested with invasive insects, hitching a ride into Wisconsin from other states.
For example, the invasive pest elongate hemlock scale (EHS) was previously found on fir wreaths, Christmas trees, baskets and boughs from eastern states. EHS is a threat to Wisconsin’s Christmas trees, native hemlock and balsam fir forests.
“Since pests like EHS have never been found on the landscape in Wisconsin, the best way to avoid these invasive pests, is to make sure your tree or wreath was grown in a state without EHS – like Wisconsin or other states further to the west,” said Brian Kuhn, the DATCP’s Bureau of Plant Industry director.
Wisconsin is home to more than 850 Christmas tree farms that sell trees, garlands and bows. A list of cut-your-own and retail lots is available from the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association, at christmastrees-wi. org.
Residents can help protect Wisconsin’s natural resources and Christmas tree industry, by checking trees and wreaths for this pest. To identify EHS, look for discolored needles and small brown, oblong scale insects on the underside of the needles.
If someone suspects EHS on fir wreaths or Christmas trees, they should report it to the DATCP’s pest hotline, at 866-440-7523, and if possible, email a clear, close-up picture to datcppesthotline@wi.gov.
