After Ips typographus (also known as the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle) was spotted in East Anglia last year, and subsequently found feeding on Sitka spruce for the first time in the UK, new research into the pest has found that it may pose a long-term threat to British forestry if not effectively contained.

The new publication is one of the first to investigate the interactions between Ips typographus and Sitka spruce. The findings suggest that the pest shows an equal preference for cut Sitka spruce as it does for Norway spruce, and will readily infest freshly felled Sitka.

New research has revealed several findings:

Through experimental choice assays and chemical ecology, the research found that freshly cut Sitka spruce is just as suitable for breeding and infestation as Norway spruce, and the pest may locate and colonise damaged or wind-felled Sitka just as readily as it would Norway spruce.

This attraction, location, and breeding suitability are likely to affect its risk in regions that grow large amounts of Sitka spruce and increase the likelihood of outbreaks.

Government’s advice to remove wind-felled trees and remove susceptible material should continue to be followed, as this research has revealed the threat Ips typographus can cause if left unchecked.

The colonisation of the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle on Norway spruce is well established; the pest is widespread in continental Europe and the effects of its infestation are well researched.

However, Ips typographus was found on Sitka spruce in the UK for the first time ever in July 2024, raising concerns about the damage the bug could have on British forestry.

Sitka spruce is not commonly planted across continental Europe; Norway spruce is much more favoured. This means there is little research on how an infestation may affect predominantly Sitka woodlands – something which is common in the UK.

Sitka spruce makes up over 54% of Great Britain’s conifer planting, being favoured for its adaptability and fast growth in the UK’s conditions. Conifer area across Great Britain is largely dominated by two species (Sitka spruce and Scots pine), raising ecological concerns and prompting restrictions in England following the initial infestation of Ips typographus.

If not effectively controlled, the tree pest could wreak havoc on British woodlands. This new study has found that Sitka spruce may be susceptible to widespread infestation, especially on freshly felled or damaged trees, so it is vital that preventative measures continue to be taken and government guidance is followed.