Little Beetle Causes Big Havoc
The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB), originally from Asia, has been causing devastation among trees, indigenous and primarily non-indigenous around the world.
First discovered in South Africa in 2017, the beetle has spread rapidly and is now well-established as a threat to agriculture and biodiversity.
PSHB infestations are most likely to be found at sites that are accessible to the public, particularly where they could have been introduced by infested firewood, in spots such as picnic sites, rest camps and along access roads. Due to their small size, beetles are not easily detected in wood articles or packaging materials.
Symptoms of infested trees (Boxelder and English Oak trees are particularly vulnerable) include the following:
- Branch dieback – cracks on the branch, discoloured leaves, dry and leafless branches, branch break-off revealing webs of galleries filled with black fungus.
- Gumming – blobs of goo coming out of the bark; oozing of liquid and gum from the beetle holes.
- Entry and exit holes – small holes on the bark of the tree the size of a sesame seed (2 mm); shotgun-like scars developing around the holes.
- Staining – brown or dark stains on the bark of the tree.
Infested trees may not be removed as the removal of the chipped wood would spread the pest to other areas. There is currently no chemical registered for use against PSHB in South Africa, thus no scientifically proven method for eradication yet.
CapeNature does not allow any firewood onto its reserves. Instead, visitors are encouraged to bring charcoal or eco logs or buy it at the reserves. These serve as environmentally friendly alternatives.
In addition, firewood sourced directly from a protected area /nature reserve may only be used in that specific protected area and this wood may not be removed from that area and transported further.
Visitors are encouraged to contact CapeNature reserves ahead of their stay regarding the availability of firewood, charcoal and eco logs. This can be done by emailing reservation.alert@capenature.co.za or calling 087 087 8250.
Visitors are welcome to bring their charcoal and eco logs. However, any wood will be confiscated upon entry and responsibly disposed of.
To learn more about the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle visit our animated presentation on our website or access a list of FAQs here.
Images.The Dangers Of Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer. 2023. www.thegardener.co.za/
Related News
Catch and release helps to conserve the Western Cape’s indigenous fish
Freshwater ecosystems across the Western Cape are rich in biodiversity, supporting a variety of indigenous fish. However, these species are increasingly threatened by the spread of invasive alien fish species, that prey on indigenous species and compete with them for food, space, and breeding grounds.
Celebrating innovative, resilient women in tourism
Women are thriving in tourism and wielding influence from the boardroom to hiking trails, where they beat a pathway for others to follow. They occupy 70% of the tourism workforce in South Africa, and their voices are being amplified in the sector now more than ever. A powerful yet often overlooked statistic that underscores their vital role in the sector.
Rivers, Watersheds, and the Klein Estuary: A 2025 Natural Breach Event
Over millions of years, South Africa’s rivers and watersheds have evolved through the forces of erosion, rainfall, and shifting geology. A river catchment, or watershed, is an area of land where all surface water flows toward a single river, stream, or channel, eventually reaching the sea.
Avian Influenza detected in Western Cape: Public urged to stay alert, not alarmed
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) is a viral disease of birds that can also, on rare occasions, infect humans and mammals. The virus spreads through bird faeces and droplets from the nose and mouth, and is present in other body fluids and tissues of dead birds. The disease can cause high mortality rates in domestic poultry.
Independent experts’ review of draft action plan for baboon management now available
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, wants to inform residents, interested parties, and stakeholders that the independent expert panel’s review of the proposed action plan on baboon management is now available to the public.
Boost for freshwater biodiversity as Wilderness Nature Reserve declared
A new nature reserve has been declared in the Western Cape, marking another significant milestone for the province’s environment. The Wilderness Nature Reserve, spanning over 643 hectares, has been declared a Provincial Nature Reserve in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?