It’s easy to get excited about the holiday season. From presents and food, to holiday decor – we can take it over the top! While a lot of that is not only enjoyable, and preferred, some things we do might actually put the state’s ecosystem at risk.
Shahla M. Werner, Plant Protection Section Manager at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WDATCP) has been following the patterns of potential freeloading invasive insects traveling to the state via holiday decorations. Werner says it’s happening more and more each year.
The non-native, invasive pest known as the elongate hemlock scale (EHS) has been found multiple times on fir wreaths, Christmas trees, baskets, and boughs sourced from eastern states. EHS is a threat to Wisconsin’s Christmas trees, native hemlock, and balsam fir forests, and a quarantine rule has been proposed to prevent this pest from establishing in Wisconsin. Inspectors have also occasionally detected boxwood blight fungus and invasive bittersweet on wreaths, spongy moth(formerly known as gypsy moth) egg masses on cut conifer trees, and dead spotted lanternflies on nursery stock.
Werner says while they have detected invasive bugs on all types of holiday materials – the good news is those insects haven’t been able to handle Wisconsin’s weather, and in turn – haven’t turned into a threat. YET! Werner says that doesn’t mean shoppers shouldn’t remain vigilant about trying to protect the state.
Although Wisconsin has nearly 400 Christmas tree producers offering locally produced trees, boughs and wreaths – they can’t keep up with the demand witnessed at “big box” stores that will source their product from other states. Many that already are battling different invasive insects.
To help protect Wisconsin’s natural resources and Christmas tree industry, check trees and wreaths for pests. To identify EHS, look for discolored needles and small brown, scale insects under oblong coverings on the underside of the needles. If you suspect EHS or other invasive pests on fir wreaths or Christmas trees, please take a photo and report it to DATCP’s pest hotline at (866) 440-7523 or [email protected].
Choosing and cutting a live, fragrant Wisconsin tree every year is a great way to support Wisconsin farmers and create a family tradition, and at the same time protecting our ecosystem. A list of cut-your-own and retail lots is available from the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association at https://www.christmastrees-wi.org/map/.
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