Cape Town is taking on the destructive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Beetle (PSHB) that threatens its urban forest. The city’s Invasive Species Unit is providing training sessions to help residents recognize infested trees, handle affected biomass, and impede the beetle’s spread. The program aims to empower individuals and businesses alike to protect their green spaces effectively and preserve the city’s ecological heritage. With the united efforts of its citizens, Cape Town is rising to the challenge of this formidable foe.
Cape Town is fighting the invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle by offering free training to residents and businesses to manage infested trees and safely transport affected biomass. Chemical solutions have failed, so the training aims to provide attendees with crucial information about the beetle and how to recognize infested trees, handle and dispose of infested biomass, and safely transport green waste. This community effort is essential as PSHB poses a significant threat to Cape Town’s urban vegetation, and the traditional chemical solutions have failed to control it.
The PSHB beetle outbreak has become a severe concern for residents of Cape Town as it continues to spread to different suburbs, including Rosebank and Wynberg. The beetle is an invasive species that can cause significant damage to trees, posing a threat to the local environment.