Advancing Natural Protection Against Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Hemlock forests across Nova Scotia are declining rapidly under the pressure of the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA); a pest capable of killing mature trees within just a few years. Acadia University has completed the development of a biological control facility designed to mass rear natural predators of the HWA. By renovating an existing greenhouse and establishing the first colonies of insects specifically used in biocontrol, the University has created a long‑term, ecological approach to managing HWA populations. The facility now supports ongoing research and production of these predators, strengthening regional capacity to protect hemlock forests through natural, sustainable biocontrol methods.