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Bark beetles are no joke - they multiply like crazy if you don't act fast.
You should fell infested trees as soon as possible and get the wood out of the forest or cut it up, so the beetles don't spread to other trees - that's really important.
If you're unsure, bring in a forester or pest control specialist who can tell you how bad it really is and what specifically will help on your property. In summer like now it's especially urgent, because the beetles are active right now.
The most important thing is that you can't just leave infested trees lying around - that's probably the biggest mistake people make. If you fell an infested tree and then let the wood sit in the forest for weeks, the beetles will simply emerge and colonize the next trees nearby. The wood either needs to be removed from the forest immediately (ideally stored somewhere in the sun where it dries and the beetles can't escape) or it gets chopped and chipped. Some people also cover the wood with plastic tarps, which works, but only if you really seal it properly.
At the same time, you should closely monitor the remaining trees - look for discoloration in the crown or small piles of wood dust on the trunk. If you notice that several trees are infested, things get complicated fast and you'll probably need professional help. A forestry office or forestry company can tell you exactly how much wood can be stored where and when the best time to fell is. The season also matters - if it's warm out, the beetles multiply much faster than in cool autumn.
One thing a lot of people underestimate: the problem often doesn't stay on just your property. Your neighbors can be directly affected if you do nothing, and vice versa. In many regions, there are now regulations about how quickly bark beetle wood has to be processed. So make sure you check not just with the municipality, but also whether there are official rules in your area.
Have you already talked to a forester or are you trying to handle this on your own?
In my neighborhood, someone left an infested tree standing because they thought it wouldn't be that bad - two years later, at least four more trees were affected.
The wood really needs to come out of the forest, otherwise the beetles will have another boom season next spring. My tip: contact the forest authority or a local forestry company - they know your area and can tell you how urgent the situation is for you.
jan_fischer asker
No, I haven't done it yet. I'll definitely do it this week - thanks for the warning about the neighboring trees.
Important: If you don't remove the wood right away, you have to store it under plastic sheeting at least until November or treat it with insecticide, otherwise tons of new beetles will hatch in spring 🪲 That'll get really expensive if the infestation spreads to the neighboring trees and ends up affecting the whole area.
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