Hemlock woolly adelgid confirmed in Grafton, ON

August 10, 2022 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of hemlock woolly adelgid in several hemlock trees near Grafton, Ontario. 

The property owner has been notified of restrictions on the movement of hemlock materials (including logs, branches and woodchips), as a result of this confirmation. The current regulated area could be expanded once the CFIA has completed its survey work.

Although hemlock woolly adelgid poses no threat to human health, it is highly destructive to hemlock trees. Hemlock woolly adelgid is an aphid-like insect that attacks and kills hemlock trees. Its egg sacs, which look like cotton balls or clumps of snow, can be found at the base of needles. It can be spread by wind, animals and human movement of nursery stock, logs, firewood and other wood products.

The CFIA continues to work with federal, provincial, municipal and First Nations partners and organizations to slow the spread of this pest.