The City of Cape Town called all residents to lookout for the trees located on their properties or at various parks and conservation areas, during these holidays. The Shot Hole Borer beetle becomes most active at this time of the year, so it would be of great help to the city’s Invasive Species Unit.
Residents of City of Cape Town can report any signs of infestation and the location of the trees. The city Cape Town urgently needs the input of residents on a survey that will assist in managing the spread of the infestation.
Currently, the PSHB is posing a huge threat to the trees and urban forests as a whole in Cape Town. For the same the City of Cape Town urged residents to complete an online survey. The results from the survey will assist the Invasive Species Unit of the city which are essential data to further help with their approach to curb the further spread of the pest.
The survey will be available to the residents at all the Nature Reserves of the city Cape Town. As of now, more than 6,000 infested trees have been identified in the town. Among these trees, there are highly susceptible reproductive host species that includes Boxelder, Weeping Willow, Poplars and English Oak too.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Spatial Planning and Environment – Alderman Eddie Andrews said that the PSHB poses a serious threat to Cape Town’s urban forest. The PSHB beetle is highly active during this time of the year and so there is a need that all residents should know how to manage and transport beetle infested biomass, in order to prevent the spread of the pest.
Deputy Mayor of Cape Town Andrews explained that they need the support and collaboration of residents and businesses who are working with plant material to prevent the spread of the pest.
“I urge residents and businesses to please take a few minutes and complete the survey, as it is important to assist the team with the crucial planning on how to further educate the public on the pest,” said Eddie Andrews.
He also added, “We need the public to realise the seriousness of the situation and the huge threat PSHB poses to the tress in Cape Town.”
Notably, the PSHB can easily spread across suburbs if extra precaution is not taken. Apart from infected wood, there is a possibility that the beetle can also spread through clothing, vehicle crevices or also through unclean horticultural equipment.
Furthermore, the City of Cape Town is trying its best to respond within ten working days to verify a reported sighting. However, the response time will depend on the number of sightings that are reported.