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.
You 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 you suspect EHS on fir wreaths or Christmas trees, please report it to DATCP’s pest hotline at (866) 440-7523 and if possible, email a clear, close-up picture to datcppesthotline@wi.gov.
