A polyphagous shot hole borer beetle (PSHB) was found infesting a boxelder tree in Newlands, Cape Town. Residents in the area are advised to inspect their trees for possible beetle infestations, in particular boxelders, and report any sightings to the city.
Burning of the infected wood is the preferred method for disposal, and the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Protocol is useful for identifying, pruning, cutting down, removing and disposing of infected PSHB wood.
Alien trees infested to date include London plane trees, Liquidamber, Japanese maples, Chinese maples, pin oaks, and English oaks, as well as indigenous trees like the Coast Coral tree, Forest Bushwillow, and the Cape willow.
The city website has more information on the beetle and symptoms to look out for, as well as a link to report a sighting.
What can you do?
- Inspect trees on your property for possible beetle infestations, in particular boxelders.
- Report any sightings of the beetle to the City as soon as possible.
- Familiarize yourself with the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Protocol for identifying, pruning, cutting down, removing and disposing of infected PSHB wood.