Question

Branch with pest   I believe this is a fir tree (Abies amabilis?) as I live on Vancouver Island quite close to the ocean. I have white, woolly looking bugs on branches of the tree. When you squish the woolly pupas or whatever they are, the inside is dark and squishy. (maybe woolly aphid or adeligid?)
If you can tell from my photo, can you advise me on what to do? I have a large garden and am worried about these bugs migrating to other things.
Thank you so much.

Answer
Looks like Hemlock Wooly Adelgid. I would treat the tree with a product called Bayer Advanced Tree and Scrub Insect control. It is applied around the tree to the soil and the roots will carry it to the foliage and twigs and when the insect feeds it is killed. Here is the web link to this product. http://www.bayeradvanced.com/tree-shrub-care/products/12-month-tree-shrub-insect

This product will last the whole season and prevent further infestation. Check with your local garden/nursery type store for it.

The Adelgid will not get on any other plant species but hemlock/fir.

here is more information on this insect.  http://na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/pest_al/hemlock/hwa05.htm