The City of Cape Town is urging residents to be vigilant over the holiday season in the fight against the invasive Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) beetle, which is most active during this time of year, Cape {town} Etc reports.
As the pest poses a serious threat to trees across the city, local authorities are calling on residents to report any signs of infestation to the City’s Invasive Species Unit.
With over 6,000 infested trees already identified across Cape Town, the PSHB beetle is particularly harmful to urban forests, including popular tree species such as Boxelder, Weeping Willow, Poplars, and English Oak. As the pest continues to spread, the City needs urgent support from residents to curb its impact and protect Cape Town’s green spaces.
A call to action: Complete the online survey
The City has launched an online survey to help gather essential data on the extent of the PSHB infestation. By participating in the survey, residents will directly assist the City’s Invasive Species Unit in understanding the spread of the pest and formulating strategies to manage and mitigate its damage.
Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort. ‘The PSHB poses a serious threat to Cape Town’s urban forest. The PSHB beetle is highly active this time of year and so we need residents to know how to manage and transport beetle-infested biomass to prevent the spread of the pest as far as possible. We need the support and collaboration of residents and businesses working with plant material to prevent the spread of the pest,’ said Andrews.
Residents can access the survey online at this link, or it is available at all of the City’s Nature Reserves.
The threat of the PSHB beetle
The PSHB beetle is a major threat to urban trees, spreading easily across suburbs if not carefully managed. The pest can be transported via infected wood, unclean horticultural equipment, or even through clothing and vehicle crevices. If the infestation is not controlled, the beetle can severely damage Cape Town’s tree population.
What to look for: symptoms of infestation
Residents are advised to watch for signs of infestation in trees, which may include:
- Branch dieback: Cracked branches, discolored leaves, dry or leafless branches, and branch break-offs revealing webs of galleries filled with black fungus.
- Gumming: Blobs of goo or liquid oozing from beetle holes in the bark.
- Entry and exit holes: Small sesame seed-sized holes in the bark, accompanied by shotgun-like scars.
- Staining: Dark or brown stains on the bark.
How to report a PSHB beetle sighting
The City has made it easy to report any sightings of the pest. Residents can report infestations in the following ways:
- Online: Visit www.capetown.gov.za/InvasiveSpecies
- Phone: Call the Invasive Species Unit at 021 444 2357 (Monday to Friday, 07:30 – 16:00)
- Email: Send an email to [email protected]
How to manage infested trees
Once a PSHB infestation is identified, it is essential to take specific steps to contain the spread:
- Chip the infested tree and dispose of the material by placing it in sealed refuse bags. Leave the bags in direct sunlight for at least six weeks to kill the beetles.
- Compost the wood chips in a compost heap to generate the heat needed to kill the pests.
- Burn infected wood at appropriate incineration facilities.
- For large branches, cut the wood into smaller pieces and seal them in plastic bags for solarization. Keep the bags in direct sunlight for at least six weeks during summer and up to six months in winter.
The City also advises that no plant or tree material, including firewood, be transported out of areas where PSHB has been identified to prevent further spread. Residents should also avoid transporting green waste in open vehicles and ensure any tools used in pruning or trimming are properly cleaned.
Join the fight against PSHB
The City of Cape Town is committed to responding to reported sightings within 10 working days, depending on the volume of submissions. Alderman Andrews urges everyone in Cape Town to take immediate action to help protect the city’s trees and urban forests.
‘We need the public to realize the seriousness of the situation and the huge threat PSHB poses to our trees in Cape Town. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and assist the team with crucial planning to educate the public and curb the spread of this dangerous pest,’ said Andrews.
As the holidays approach, residents have an important role to play in preserving the natural beauty of Cape Town by being vigilant and proactive in reporting any signs of the PSHB beetle.
Also read:
https://www.capetownetc.com/things-to-do-cape-town/cape-town-holiday-season-2/
Picture: City of Cape Town
