Bark beetle: In 2021 there was the least damage in six years

Created: 01/26/2022, 16:22

By: Joana Lück

Bark beetles can cause a lot of damage.

(Iconic image) © Florian Gaertner/Imago

Bark beetles can be fatal for forests.

But in 2021, for the first time in six years, there was reason to breathe a sigh of relief in Bavaria.

Munich – Climate change is primarily reflected in our forests: prolonged drought coupled with severe storms are weakening the trees.

These, in turn, are more susceptible to pests such as the bark beetle.

In addition, the brown or black colored insects reproduce faster in the heat.

But in 2021, Bavarian spruces were able to breathe a sigh of relief for the first time in six years, because the bark beetle infestation is declining, as reported by 24garten.de.

Bark beetle: In 2021 there was the least damage in six years

According to the Bavarian State Forests, a third less damaged wood had to be processed last year than in 2020. The main reason for this was the weather: less drought meant less susceptibility to the small pests.

Once a deciduous or coniferous tree has been attacked, the following changes can be seen in the tree:

• From spring, as soon as the temperature begins to rise, the beetle wakes up from its hibernation

• Once the first pines have settled on a tree, they produce attractants that attract other pests

• Early bark beetle infestation can be recognized by the small holes drilled in and out of the trunk

• Resin leakage can also be a sign of bark beetle infestation

Once a tree has been infested, this can also be recognized by the dying of the needles and leaves.

According to the Bavarian State Forests, speed is the key when it comes to combating them.

If the infested spruces are found quickly, the wood can be processed quickly and transported out of the forest quickly.

However, if there are several weeks between infestation and removal, the beetle may have moved to other trees in the meantime.

Bark beetle: Dangerous to humans?

You don't have to worry about your wooden floor or even your furniture, because the bark beetle does not attack built-in wood.

Also, the likelihood that it will make its way to you from the forest is very low.

If you still have trees in the garden, you should always make sure that the shallow roots in particular are sufficiently supplied with water.

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