Is This Tiny Killer Lurking In Your Michigan Backyard Trees?

A little bug is causing big problems for some trees in West Michigan.

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It's gotten so bad that in just five to seven years, one of Michigan's most beautiful trees could be killed off if nothing is done about it.

Here's what you need to know about the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) and the devastation it's causing to hemlock trees in Michigan.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Causing Big Problems In Michigan

Eastern hemlocks located in Ottawa County parks have been some of the hardest-hit areas by the hemlock woolly adelgid.

HWAs are tiny insects that feed on the sap of hemlock trees.

They insert their sharp, tube-like mouthparts into the soft tissues at the base of hemlock needles.

They not only feed on water in the trees; they also eat the trees' stored starches and other nutrients.

This continuous feeding depletes the tree's vital energy reserves.

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It's also believed that these tiny insects introduce a toxin into the tree while feeding, causing a disruption likened to an allergic reaction.

Not only does it look bad to have all of these dead trees, but with their loss, other wildlife could also be affected.

As the trees start to disappear, that could also harm cold-water fisheries and dunes that depend on the hemlocks for shade to stay cool.

How To Check For Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Cheryl Nelson with the Department of Natural Resources told MLive that you should check the undersides of hemlock needles for the white woolly wax.

With high infestations, the white covering is also visible on the topside of the branches.

She also recommends landowners who find HWA report it online.