Borer Beetle Sighted In Bellville: Residents Urged To Assist

The City of Cape Town is sounding the alarm following the discovery of the invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer PSHB beetle in Oakdale, Bellville.

Samples taken from a Boxelder tree on a private property have confirmed the presence of this destructive pest, marking the first recorded incident of PSHB in this area, and raising serious concerns among local residents and environmentalists alike, reports Cape town Etc .

In a proactive response, the City has initiated urgent surveys that will reach out to both area residents and visitors to the local nature reserves. The City's deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, has emphasised the critical need for cooperation from the community in tackling this burgeoning threat.

At this point, we cannot confirm the number of infested trees in the Oakdale area as our team will have to conduct surveys in order to determine the extent of the spread.

I am urging all private landowners in Bellville to urgently inspect their trees for symptoms and, if any are visible, to contact us immediately. Access to private properties is essential for a comprehensive assessment of the infestations reach,' Andrews stated.