Penn State Highlights Forest Health at 2026 PA Farm Show

By Blake Jackson

Penn State Extension’s Forestry and Wildlife Team will participate in the 110th Pennsylvania Farm Show as part of the PA Hardwoods Exhibit. The 2026 show will run from January 10 through January 17 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

In addition, the annual Forest Health, Insect, and Disease Briefing is scheduled for March 3, 2026, with registration opening soon.

A key topic for landowners and forestry professionals continues to be hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) management. Two predator beetle species, Laricobius nigrinus and Laricobius osakensis, have been released across Pennsylvania and neighboring states as part of biological control efforts.

These beetles are unique because they feed during the winter months, targeting HWA from November through May. Both adults and larvae feed on adelgid as part of their life cycle. Their growing presence across private and public lands suggests they are becoming established and spreading naturally.

Homeowners who wish to determine whether these beneficial beetles are present on their hemlock trees can follow a basic monitoring process, but only on their own property. Areas with heavy HWA infestations, especially hedgerows and forest edges with ample sunlight, offer the best chance of detection. Monitoring is most effective from November to April. Warmer, sunny days above 45°F between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are ideal conditions.

A monitoring kit should include a pole for tapping branches and a beat sheet made of canvas or another light-colored, sturdy material. Optional tools include a hand lens, small paintbrush, alcohol-filled vial for specimen storage, and a counter for record keeping. Before tapping, inspect egg sacs for signs of disturbance, as torn sacs may indicate beetle activity.

Even with proper technique, multiple attempts may be needed to detect predators. Although research continues, the long-term impact of Laricobius beetles is still being evaluated, and chemical treatment remains the most reliable method to protect individual trees.

For assistance or confirmation of collected samples, contact the Bureau of Forestry, Forest Health Division at PaForester@pa.gov or 717-783-2066.

Photo Credit: pennsylvania-farm-show