In recent years, many trees, including beech trees, have become increasingly stressed and their defenses weakened. The reason was the prolonged drought in summer, which was made worse by heat. The bark beetle felt really invited
How do I recognize a bark beetle infestation on the beech tree?
You can recognize an infestation of the beech tree by the bark beetle (beech bark beetle) bystar-shaped mother ductsin the bark and abrownish mucous flow, with help which the beech tries to defend itself. The pest is difficult to eliminate by humans.
Which bark beetle occurs on beech trees?
The bark beetle that occurs on beech trees is calledBeech bark beetle (Taphrorychus bicolor). It is a so-called bark breeder that grows to just 2 mm in size and lays its eggs in the bark, where its larvae later hatch. You can recognize it by its brown to black color that shines like paint.
Where does the bark beetle appear on beech trees?
The beech bark beetle mainly occurs ondead beech trees. But it is also increasingly hauntingweakened beech trees. It breeds in dried wood of dead beech trees, but also in fresh wood of he althy beech trees. It mainly occurs on the branches and trunks of beech trees.
When do bark beetles appear more frequently on beech trees?
Incidents of damage caused by the beech bark beetle increase whendrought and heat combine and stress the beech trees. Due to the dryness coupled with hot days, the beech trees' defenses are weakened and these typical pests for the beech tree have an easy time of it.
What indicates a bark beetle infestation on the beech tree?
Usually beech bark beetles leavestar-shaped mother ductsthat are clearly visible on the bark. There is also a brown to blackishmucus flow at the drill holes. You can also see drill dust in the approximately 1 mm large drill holes.
What consequences does the bark beetle have for the beech tree?
In the worst case, an infestation with the bark beetle results inthe death of the entire beech tree. Both the beetles and their larvae feed on beech wood. While he althy beech trees can defend themselves against this pest with the help of their mucus flow, weakened beech trees do not have enough energy and are increasingly falling victim to the beech bark beetle.
What can be done if a bark beetle infests a beech tree?
If individual branches are affected, they should be immediatelysawed offand disposed of inorganic waste. If the entire trunk is infected with the pest, the beech should befelled before the bark beetle spreads to other beech trees. If necessary, you can propagate the beech using cuttings. Carry out the measures by the end of February. Then the beetles swarm again.
Can bark beetle infestation on beech trees be prevented?
Infestation by the beech bark beetle can be avoided or minimized byirrigation in dry times. It is important that the beech is not stressed. It also makes sense not to plant them in a full sun location, but rather in a shaded location. If necessary, beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps can also be used to destroy the bark beetles.
Tip
Check surrounding trees
The beech bark beetle primarily attacks European beeches. But it doesn't stop at other deciduous trees such as hornbeam and oak. If your beech tree is infested, check the surrounding trees too.
