Nelson Mandela Bay Activates Emergency Plan to Contain Shot Hole Borer

The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer, an invasive ambrosia beetle complex, poses a severe ecological risk due to its ability to attack a wide variety of tree species.

Authorities in South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality have launched an urgent, city-wide response to contain the spread of the invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB), a destructive pest threatening urban forests, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability.

The emergency action follows multiple sightings of the beetle across parts of the metro, prompting the municipality to activate its Public Health Environmental Management sub-directorate and implement a coordinated containment strategy.

A Silent but Devastating Threat

The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer, an invasive ambrosia beetle complex, poses a severe ecological risk due to its ability to attack a wide variety of tree species. The pest bores into tree trunks and introduces a fungus that disrupts the tree’s vascular system, blocking the flow of water and nutrients—often resulting in rapid tree death.

Experts warn that the pest spreads easily through the movement of infected wood, making early detection and strict containment measures critical to preventing widespread damage.

Emergency Response in Full Swing

Municipal authorities have confirmed that all reported cases from residents are being treated with urgency, with response teams already deployed. The city is working closely with a specialist who has studied the beetle for nearly seven years to ensure accurate identification and effective intervention strategies.

Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe urged residents to remain calm while cooperating fully with officials.

“We have activated our environmental management teams to give this issue the highest priority, as we fully understand the potential impact on the city’s environmental sustainability,” she said.

While comprehensive standard operating procedures are being finalised, immediate containment measures are already underway.

Aggressive Containment Measures Introduced

To curb the spread of the pest, the municipality has rolled out a series of strict interventions:

• Felling and on-site chipping of infected trees to eliminate breeding grounds

• Controlled disposal of infected wood through burning or solarisation at designated sites

• Guidance for homeowners on safe management of affected trees

These measures are designed to prevent reinfestation and limit the pest’s movement across urban and peri-urban areas.

Training and Awareness Drive Launched

Recognising the scale of the threat, authorities have initiated targeted training programmes for councillors, municipal officials, and operational staff to improve detection and response capabilities.

Plans are also underway to train woodcutters and tree-felling operators, ensuring that infected material is handled safely and does not contribute to further spread.

In parallel, a public awareness campaign is being developed to educate residents about identifying the pest and taking preventive actions.

Residents Urged to Act Responsibly

The municipality has called on residents to play a crucial role in containment efforts by adhering to key guidelines:

• Report suspected infestations immediately

• Avoid moving firewood, a major transmission vector

• Sanitise tools after use to prevent cross-contamination

• Do not dispose of infected wood in garden waste

• Chip infected wood wherever possible for safer disposal

Residents can report sightings through the Parks and Cemetery Sub-directorate or Environmental Management offices via dedicated helplines.

A Collective Environmental Challenge

The outbreak highlights the growing threat of invasive species in urban ecosystems, exacerbated by global trade and climate change. Left unchecked, the PSHB could cause significant loss of tree cover, disrupt urban biodiversity, and increase long-term environmental and economic costs.

Municipal authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting the city’s green infrastructure, but stressed that success will depend on collective action.

“This is a shared responsibility. We urge all residents to work with us to contain this threat before it escalates further,” the Mayor said.

As Nelson Mandela Bay races to contain the outbreak, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of early intervention, public awareness, and coordinated environmental management in safeguarding urban ecosystems.