Database

Create bark beetle trap trees

Habitat	Function	Type of work
Forest	High-quality timber	Bark beetle control

Biological techniques and tools should be preferred to prevent forest damage and to control its spread. The use of non-biological plant protection products on forest land is only allowed in justified cases.

Description of the action

The best method for eliminating spruce bark beetle damage is the use of trap trees. In late winter and spring, fell spruce trap trees near the spruce bark beetle outbreak. Leave trap trees in contact with the ground (to retain moisture). Remove trap trees from the forest, including from roadsides, by early June at the latest.

Why?

The most effective way to reduce bark beetle populations is by using trap trees. Spruce bark beetles prefer trap trees over living trees because trap trees emit scents attractive to the beetles. Timely removal of trap trees from the forest to sawmills or wood terminals also removes spruce bark beetle larvae and young beetles, reducing their numbers in the forest. The key factor is timely removal before young beetles emerge from the bark. The effectiveness of trap trees can be further enhanced by attaching pheromone dispensers, which attract spruce bark beetles during their mating flight.