BORER BEETLE

We have been getting multiple calls weekly about "Shot Borer Beetles". Trees in Somerset West are infested.

It is becoming a serious concern for the wonderful treeline that we have here in Somerset West.

The beetles create tunnels in the trunks and branches of host trees, and lay their eggs inside.

The female beetles carry a fungus from tree to tree. The fungus grows in the tunnels which becomes a "vegetable food garden" for larvae and adults.

The entry holes are round and about 1mm wide (like little holes made with a toothpick). Look for dark, wet staining, thick gumming, streaks of white powder coming from holes.

The fungus in the tunnels is really bad for trees, as it disrupts the flow of water and nutrients to the tree, causing branch die-back, and ultimately the death of the tree.

There is a debate as to whether this can be treated, BUT the key is early identification.

Since 2019 there have apparently been over 1000 trees cut down! It's a tragedy.

Residents are encouraged to inform the municipality when they spot holes the size of a toothpick on the trunk or branches of trees. 

At Lourensford in Somerset West, more than 100 trees are affected and so far 30 have been cut down.

IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBER

City of Cape Town Invasive Species Unit

(021) 444 2357

https://www.capetowninvasives.org.za/shot-hole-borer

We need to act quickly to stop the spread (and replant trees).