The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has activated an urgent response to contain the spread of the invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer following reported sightings in parts of the metro.
The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is an invasive species consisting of multiple cryptic species of ambrosia beetles.
In a statement on Wednesday, the municipality confirmed that all reported incidents from members of the public are being treated with urgency, with a response plan established and already under implementation through the city’s Public Health Environmental Management sub-directorate.
The sub-directorate is working closely with an expert, who has studied the beetle for approximately seven years, to assist officials with accurate identification and appropriate response measures.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the relevant municipal officials whenever they experience or suspect the threat of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer on their properties or periphery.
"We have activated the municipality’s Public Health Environmental Management sub-directorate to give a special attention to this, as we understand the impact it will have on the environmental sustainability of the city,” Lobishe said.
While the municipality is finalising standard operating procedures to comprehensively address the challenge, Lobishe said environmental management officials are already responding to reported incidents.
The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is an invasive beetle that attacks a wide range of tree species by boring into trunks and introducing a fungus that blocks the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, often leading to tree death.
The pest spreads easily through the movement of infected wood, making early detection and containment critical.
Containment measures underway
Authorities have implemented temporary measures to limit the spread, including:
• Felling infected trees and chipping material on-site to prevent reinfestation.
• Transporting infected wood to designated municipal sites for controlled burning or solarisation.
• Providing guidance to residents on managing affected trees on private property.
In addition, training programmes are being rolled out to councillors and relevant municipal officials to capacitate them in identifying and managing the beetle.
Plans are also underway to train woodcutters and tree-felling operators to ensure proper handling of infected material.
“Residents who suspect infestation in their yards or surrounding areas are urged to contact the Environmental Management Sub-directorate. NMBM Public Health, in collaboration with communications, is also developing awareness material to educate the public,” the Mayor said.
To mitigate the spread and impact of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer, residents are requested to observe the following measures:
• Report any suspected sightings to the municipality.
• Avoid moving firewood, as this contributes to the spread.
• Sanitise tools after use to prevent cross-contamination.
• Do not dispose of infected wood in garden waste.
• Chip infected wood where possible, as this is a safer disposal method.
Members of the public can call the Parks and Cemetery Sub-directorate at 041 5062770 or Environmental Management at 041 5065464 to report suspected infestations.
The municipality reiterated its commitment to protecting the city’s urban environment, urging all residents to work together in containing this threat. – SAnews.gov.za
