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 Werner, Plant Protection Section Manager at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) 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.  

Inspectors conducting routine checks have detected the presence of elongate hemlock scale in shipments from eastern states. This pest, not native to North America or Wisconsin, poses a significant threat to the state's ecology and Christmas tree growers. Originally introduced accidentally into New York around 1908, this pest has been identified as a hitchhiker on various holiday greenery such as wreaths, porch pots, and schwag imported from out of state.

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 Werner, Plant Protection Section Manager at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) 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.  
Inspectors conducting routine checks have detected the presence of elongate hemlock scale in shipments from eastern states. This pest, not native to North America or Wisconsin, poses a significant threat to the state's ecology and Christmas tree growers. Originally introduced accidentally into New York around 1908, this pest has been identified as a hitchhiker on various holiday greenery such as wreaths, porch pots, and schwag imported from out of state.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

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