AT A GLANCE
How dangerous is the birch bark beetle for the infested birch?
Birch bark beetles and their larvae destroy the pathways of the birch tree through their tunnels, it grows poorly and can die. Birch bark beetle you can not fight effectively. If you have noticed the infestation early on, you can infested areas cut back vigorously and possibly save your birch.
What does the bark beetle look like?
The family of Bark beetle (Scolytinae) is very diverse. The greater birch bark beetle (Scolytus ratzeburgii), which flies from June to July and produces only one generation per year, has these key characteristics:
- 5 to 7 cm length
- cylindrical body
- shiny black
- reddish elytra
- with fine and coarser dot structure
- parallel wing cover seam
- maggot-like larvae, light-colored and legless
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How do I recognize a bark beetle infestation?
Only those who specifically look for it will discover the incipient infestation. Because only they are from the outside many small drill holes in the trunk and visible on thick branches. They have a diameter of approx. 2-3 mm and are usually in a vertical row. Brown drill dust around the trunk is another indication of a bark beetle infestation. The further the destruction of the 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 current not reportable.
Are all birch species equally attacked by the bark beetle?
This weevil affected prefers the silver 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. bark beetle on the birch secrete attractants that attract other bark beetles.
How do I prevent birch beetles on the birch?
Since the birch beetle prefers to attack weakened and old trees, plant strengthening the best antidote to an infestation. Make sure your birch isn't under dryness and has to suffer from waterlogging. Because birches of many pests and diseases are attacked, you should them check regularly, in order to maintain their vitality through early control measures.
Tip
You should cut down a heavily infested birch
If the trunk of the birch is affected, no pruning will help. You should cut down the birch completely before the next beetle mating season, which is in summer, and also not store the wood in the garden to prevent the pest from spreading further.
