Update
GEORGE NEWS - The invasive polyphagous shothole borer beetle (PSHB) is now spreading rapidly in the Garden Route, according to an urgent notice issued by George Municipality.
This pest poses a serious threat to urban forests and infested trees need to be chipped immediately.
Residents of George are requested to report sightings to the George Municipality.
Do not remove
Do not remove infested trees from your property as it will spread the pest to other areas, and do not buy and move fire wood from areas with known PSHB infestation.
Symptoms of infested trees:
- Branch dieback - cracks on the branch, discoloured leaves, dry and leafless branches
- Gumming - blobs of goo coming out of the bark, oozing of liquid and gum from the beetle holes
- Very small entry and exit holes on the bark of the tree
- Staining - brown or dark stains on the bark of the tree from the property will spread the pest to other areas
What to do
- Pesticides and fungicides are not effective - the only way to get rid of the beetle is to chip the infected material.
- Chip the tree, place the infested material in refuse bags, seal it and put these in direct sunlight as the heat will help kill the beetle.
- Dump the chips in your compost heap as the heat build-up in the composting process will kill the beetle.
- Burn it at an appropriate incine-ration facility, or bag and leave in the sun for a minimum of six weeks.
- Seek assistance of a properly trained and equipped service provider.
Background
According to the South African Landscapes Institute (Sali), the PSHB in its natural environment (in South East Asian countries such as Vietnam) attacks only dead or dying trees.
Like any invasive species, the PSHB has no natural enemies in South Africa. As such, its invasion is particularly devastating. It is also known to affect various indigenous species, including the yellowwood and keurboom.
In 2018, the PSHB beetle was detected in dying trees in the suburbs of George, Knysna, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Bloemfontein and Bedfordview. To date the PSHB has been known to attack plants from 58 different tree families, according to Sali.
Previous articles:
- What to do about shot hole borer
- Stompkopkewer steeds bedrywig
- 'Strategiese plan nodig vir bome in George'
- Stompkopkewer raak bedrywig in Lente
- Trees remain under threat
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