Bark beetles are among the feared bark and trunk pests. The damage they can cause by drilling into trees is enormous. The species of large birch bark beetle specializes in birch trees. Even in the house garden she is not safe from him.
How dangerous is the birch bark beetle for the infected birch?
Birch bark beetles and their larvae destroy the birch's pathways through their tunnels, it grows poorly and can die. You cannoteffectively combat birch bark beetlesIf you have noticed the infestation early, you cancut the affected areas back heavily and possibly save your birch tree.
What does the bark beetle look like?
The bark beetle family (Scolytinae) is very diverse. The large birch bark beetle (Scolytus ratzeburgii), which flies from June to July and produces only one generation per year, has these main characteristics:
- 5 to 7 cm Length
- roller-shaped body
- glossy black
- reddish elytra
- with finer and coarser dot structure
- parallel wing cover seam
- maggot-like larvae, light and legless
How do I recognize a bark beetle infestation?
Only those who specifically look for it will discover the beginning of an infestation. Because from the outside only themany small drill holes on the trunk and on thick branches are visible. They have a diameter of approx. 2-3 mm and are usually located in a vertical row. Brown drill dust around the trunk is another indication of a bark beetle infestation. The further the destruction of the conductive pathways progresses, the more pronounced the following symptoms become:
- stunted twigs, branches and trunk
- Leaves fall off prematurely
- sparse shoots in spring
Do I have to report a bark beetle infestation?
In Germany, the bark beetle infestation is currentlynot reportable.
Are all birch species equally affected by bark beetles?
This weevil attacksprefers the sand birch(Betula pendula). The downy birch (Betula pubescens), on the other hand, is attacked less frequently. Incidentally, the pest prefers birch trees, but not exclusively. For example, it can also damage the elm tree. Bark beetles on birch trees secrete attractants that attract other bark beetles.
How do I prevent birch beetles on the birch tree?
Since the birch beetle prefers to attack weakened and old trees,Plant strengtheningis the best remedy against an infestation. Make sure that your birch tree does not suffer from dryness and waterlogging. Since birch trees are attacked by many pests and diseases, you shouldcheck them regularly in order to maintain their vitality through early control measures.
Tip
You should cut down a heavily infested birch tree
If the trunk of the birch tree is infected, pruning no longer helps. You should completely cut down the birch tree before the beetle's next mating season, which is in summer, and also not store the wood in the garden so that the pest cannot spread further.