Ips typographus (the eight toothed spruce bark beetle) is a destructive pest of spruce trees.
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Overview
Ips typographus is a serious pest of spruce in Europe which has been found in the wider environment in England. We use a number of surveillance networks, including the Wales Plant Health Surveillance Network.
The beetle is mainly a secondary pest, preferring stressed or weakened trees. However, under the right environmental conditions, beetle numbers can increase enough to result in attacks on healthy trees.
You can reduce the risk of Ips typographus on your woodland by removing windblown, damaged, or recently felled spruce material. The primary species which are susceptible to Ips typographus is spruce (including Norway and Sitka). Fir, pine and larch can also be affected.
More information can be found on the Forest Research website Larger eight-toothed European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) - Forest Research.
Reporting
Please remain vigilant for signs of Ips typographus. If you think you have spotted signs of this beetle then please tell us using our Tree Alert form.
You can also submit a tree alert form if your spruce woodland is exhibiting signs of decline or stress.