Pest Controls Introduced: European Spruce Bark Beetle

Photo: Getty Images.  A larger eight-toothed European Spruce Bark Beetle

The Forestry Commission is introducing measures in the South East of England to tackle a beetle pest. 

The larger eight-toothed European Spruce Bark Beetle is being blown over from France and damaging native spruce trees.

The area under focus includes Surrey and Sussex where landowners are asked to help limit the spread of the beetle.  Movement of susceptible tree material such as spruce wood, bark and branches is being restricted. 

The beetle does not pose a risk to human health. 

Any sightings should be reported to the Forestry Commission via its TreeAlert online portal.