Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
polyphagous shot hole borerlatest news & developments
An oak tree infested (left) with the invasive shot hole borer will eventually die.
BEETLE

Invasive beetle fells mighty oaks

The trees were first introduced to South Africa in 1656 and have become cultural icons

  • Sheree Bega
6 min read
The invasive bug could unleash R275-billion in economic damage in next decade and urban areas stand to lose 65 million trees. (Photo by Ilan Godfrey/Getty Images for Lumix)
BRIAN VAN WILGEN

Tiny tree borer beetle could dig up billions in economic damage

The invasive bug could unleash R275-billion in economic damage in next decade and urban areas stand to lose 65 million trees

  • Sheree Bega
6 min read
Polyphagous shot hole borer
AGRICULTURE

Tiny shot hole borer beetle is causing big problems

The invasion of this destructive beetle wiping out trees is only in its infancy and scientists expect ecological and social costs to rack up

  • Sheree Bega
5 min read
Scolytus rugulosus the shothole borer under the bark of a plum tree. It is a species of bark beetles.
AFRICAN CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA

Tiny invasive beetle threatens millions of trees in South Africa

Polyphagous shot hole borer looks set to become most damaging biological invasion in South Africa

  • Sheree Bega
4 min read