The Eastern Hemlock is a tree of critical ecological significance. Being a shade tolerant
conifer in Eastern North America, the shade and moisture Eastern Hemlock produces creates an
environment that many species rely on. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) and Elongate
Hemlock Scale (EHS) are invasive pest’s endemic to Southern Japan that threaten the survival of
Eastern Hemlock in Eastern North America. Our research seeks to better understand the
prevalence of HWA and EHS in Saratoga County and which factors influence their distribution.
Research was conducted using the transect sampling method on three sites in Saratoga County.
Data was collected on the presence of HWA/EHS, the elevation of the site, tree height, and
DBH. Additionally, we considered factors such as disturbance and human activity. EHS was
present at all sites; its prevalence varied from 36% to 100%. HWA was found in only two sites,
its prevalence varying from 0% to 37%. Elevation was used as a proxy for temperature as this is
known to be a major factor influencing the prevalence of both insect species. Our findings
indicate that disturbance from logging practices and other human activities influence the
prevalence of HWA; however, the same effect on EHS is unknown currently. In other studies,
EHS and HWA have a competitive relationship. This may very well influence how prevalent one
species is over the other in certain forest settings; our findings could work to support this
conclusion. That being said, more research is required to understand the relationship between
EHS and logging, interspecific competition, and human activity.
