S.tsugae beetles can reduce HWA densities in forests by 47-87% in just 5 months.
S.tsugae beetles are proving to be the most effective, economical and sustainable biological control method for reversing the pervasive damage HWA has caused Hemlock Forests.
Studies have generally found that S.tsugae beetles significantly decreased the amount of HWA nymphs per centimeters new growth on Hemlocks in release sites. Field monitoring studies indicate the beetles reduced the amount of visible wool on all branches despite small release numbers.
The S.tsugae beetle is a voracious and fast moving natural predator of HWA.
To read the scientific literature/studies on the effectiveness of the S.tsugae beetle, click here.
To read more about our results with customers throughout the Eastern United States, click here.
Tree Savers™ Proof of Concept
There is no doubt that predator beetles are effective in repairing the damage of HWA on a large-scale. State Forestry departments across the Eastern United States are deploying predator beetles in large numbers. The questions we are often asked are,
- “Can they work for a few trees on my property?”
- “Will they stay put long enough to restore the tree?”
- “Will they survive after release?”
In 2008 Environmental Scientist Jayme Longo, who started the S.tsugae beetle lab at Forever Green Environmental Services, set up a field experiment similar to what most land owners face. The land surrounding the lab was a mixture of oak, maple, spruce, and pine. She observed that in one particular space, 2 Eastern Hemlocks stood alone.
“The level of damage inflicted by HWA was catastrophic.”
The level of damage inflicted by HWA on these 2 Hemlocks was catastrophic. Though from afar the trees looked almost full, up close, the needles were almost completely gray and the branches and stems had become so brittle that they collapsed under the slightest pressure. New growth was nonexistent. The trees took on a spider-web like appearance with no vibrancy.
The damage was so extensive and the secondary infestations of spittle bugs and spider-mites so complete that Jayme employed the use of an IMA-jet, usually a very effective form of Imidacloprid injected directly into the vascular tissue (stem & trunk) of the trees.
Unfortunately, the trees had deteriorated so much that the trunk was rippled with hollow spots and the trees were unable to absorb the nutrients from the injection points. It seemed the hemlocks were “dead standing up” and it was only a matter of time until they were beyond help.
The Unexpected Turn
Having unofficially given up on the conventional chemical treatment of these 2 trees, they further declined, lost most of their needles in the understory, and for 2 years nothing was done to further treat them. However, at the end of the breeding season in June of 2011, Jayme released 50 or less beetles on the 2 dying Hemlocks.
Miraculously, the 2 Hemlocks got a new lease on life. By October of 2012 the HWA was no longer a threat. The gray needles were replaced by full, lush, and brilliant aqua neon green sprouts…and spreading fast. Both trees had almost completely recovered.
As HWA were brought under control, both trees’ natural ability to combat other local assaults returned. Webbing from spider-mites, and spotting from hemlock scale also disappeared. The 2 Hemlocks were completely restored. Importantly – the S.tsugae beetles did not consume anything other than the HWA.
Scientific proof is critical. Physical proof in the field is irrefutable.
Since that time, Jayme and Tree Savers have helped private property owners control HWA with S.tsugae beetles. For more success stories click here.
Contact us at firstname.lastname@example.org to get started today!