News

Targeted Treatment Aims to Save Local Hemlocks

GENEVA, N.Y. –  Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters) has taken an important step to protect local hemlock trees by treating 30 of them on a property in Hector, NY. Each tree was carefully sprayed around the base with a mix of two insecticides that work together — one acts quickly, and the other provides longer-lasting protection. This treatment keeps the chemicals safely away from nearby water and helps guard the trees against the harmful Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) insect. Meanwhile, scientists at Cornell are releasing natural predators of this pest, which we hope will help keep the adelgid under control in the future.

For those interested in the details: The treatment uses imidacloprid for long-lasting protection and dinotefuran for fast action. Applying the insecticides at the base of the trunk ensures no chemicals enter nearby streams or lakes. The natural predators being introduced are expected to provide a biological control to protect the trees long-term.

We’ll continue treating more trees as funding allows.

Learn more about HWA.

Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is a 501(c)3 organization committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting the abundant resources of the largest Finger Lake. Seneca Lake is a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic opportunity for the greater community and its visitors. Our programs and partnerships make it possible to monitor water quality, educate the public, and evaluate threats to ensure the a healthy future for Seneca Lake and those who depend on it.