No borer beetle activity detected for over two years

George lost about 20 large trees during an outbreak of the polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) between 2018 and 2021, but the situation has since been monitored closely and is under control.

- Alida de Beer

According to Dawie Adonis, director of Community Services, the George Municipality's Parks and Recreation Department has not found any evidence of new infestations of the insect over the last two years. He said where there is suspicion and evidence of the beetle, they remove the affected tree. “It is then carefully transported to the transfer station [at the refuse site] and burnt. We have not cut down any trees recently, and we are taking careful steps to verify whether the shot-hole borer is present or not.”

“However, we remain open to using the treatment should we find evidence of a shot-hole borer infestation.”