Eight-toothed spruce bark beetle found on new species

The eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) is considered a serious pest of trees in the Picea genus as well as selected species in other conifer genera in Europe. It has the potential to cause serious damage to spruce trees in the UK and significantly impact forestry and timber industries. 

In England, the pest was first found in Kent in 2018, and as a precaution a demarcated area covering parts of Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Greater London, East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent and Essex was established.  Within this demarcated area, movement of materials and methods of forest operations have been restricted.

Whilst it was believed the pest was accidentally introduced to the UK via imported wood or wood packaging, more recent research suggests the beetle can naturally disperse across the channel (by blow over). 

Following recent surveillance, further outbreaks have been found in existing demarcated areas in Kent and West Sussex, adding to the number of outbreak sites detected in the UK this year. Of note is the discovery of Ips typographus on a small number of cut and fallen Sitka spruce trees in close proximity to infested Norway spruce trees on a site in West Sussex. This is the first time Ips typographus has been discovered on Sitka spruce in Great Britain.

This discovery follows earlier findings in the 2024 season of Ips typographus within the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk.

There is no evidence of spread within the UK or that Ips typographus is established within the UK; Defra believe recent outbreaks are likely due to natural dispersal of the pest from mainland Europe.  As ever, the Forestry Commission continues to take swift and robust action including rapid eradication measures in response to the findings.

Whilst only landowners and timber processors are likely to be affected by the current restrictions on movement of material, establishment of the pest in Great Britain is likely to affect a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Landscape professionals are urged to remain vigilant for signs of the pest and report suspected sightings anywhere in Great Britain using the Tree Alert Form.

Visual guides and maps of the current demarcated area are available from the Further Reading section of this page, below.

Further reading

Forestry Commission webpage: Eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus)
The Plant Health (Ips Typographus) (England) Order 2019
Ips typographus demarcated area
Tree Alert Form