The borer beetle pest has been confirmed in Cape Town CBD and Hout Bay Cape Town CBD and Hout Bay residents have a new, unwanted visitor — the invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle (PSHB) has been confirmed in these two areas for the first time. Samples from trees along Long Street, St George’s Mall, Military Road, Tamboerskloof, and Victoria Road in Hout Bay tested positive, confirming the pest’s arrival and giving tree lovers plenty to worry about. PSHB is a tiny insect that burrows into trees, laying its eggs and spreading a fungus that can damage or even kill them.
It attacks many types of trees, making it a serious concern for both public and private greenery. Deputy Mayor and spatial planning and environment political head Eddie Andrews said the number of infested trees was not immediately known. “At this stage, the city cannot yet confirm the number of trees infested in the Cape Town CBD and Hout Bay area as our monitoring teams are actively conducting surveys to determine the extent of the spread,” he said.
“We call upon all private landowners in the CBD and Hout Bay area as well as other parts of the city to inspect the trees on their properties for symptoms and to contact the [municipality] immediately should any of the symptoms be visible on any trees. “We also ask that residents grant access to city officials on private properties to conduct a full assessment and to determine the extent of the infestation in these areas.” Andrews said city staff will carry identification cards and wear city-branded clothing at all times for easy recognition. “We are extremely concerned about the latest sighting and request the assistance and cooperation of residents and businesses that work with plant material,” he said. PSHB has previously been confirmed in Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay, Strand, Newlands, Rondebosch, Claremont, and Rosebank.
