European spruce bark beetle
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Due to climate change and temperature changes, the spread of the European spruce bark beetle (Latin: Ips typographus) in Europe is accelerating. This is one of the most abundant and damaging pests of spruce trunks (breeding under the bark of spruce trees), sometimes infesting other coniferous trees. Found throughout Lithuania.
How to recognize spruces infested with the European spruce bark beetle?
| Main signs | Illustration |
|---|---|
| Bark falling off the trunk |  |
| Intricately shaped “trails” gnawed on the inside of the bark |  |
| Small holes in the spruce bark, around which small, brownish sawdust seems to be sprinkled |  |
| Dried spruce tops |  |
| It is likely that spruces overturned by wind or snow will form a breeding ground for the European spruce bark beetle |  |
What to do if you notice spruces infested with pests?
If you notice a breeding ground for the European spruce bark beetle, i.e. spruces damaged by it, mark this place on the interactive map Tvarkau Lietuvą (in Lithuanian).
Several Lithuanian institutions that are responsible will investigate the information received. If there are areas damaged by pests marked in the interactive map Tvarkau Lietuvą that are not yet known to these institutions, foresters will go to these areas to assess the damage and take appropriate measures for sanitary protection of the forest.
This map can also mark spruce trees that have been knocked down by wind or snow, which can attract more pests and create a breeding ground for them.