The presence of a significant number of bark beetles in a forest poses a hidden threat. Under unfavorable conditions that weaken tree stands, these xylophagous insects can cause mass drying of forests.

Bark beetles continue to spread across new territories. During the 2017 vegetation period, infestations of weakened pine stands were identified in the Chuhuiv-Babchanske Forestry (202 hectares) and the Izyum Forestry (1 hectare).

On April 19, 2018, during a forest pathology survey conducted with specialists from Kharkivlisozakhyst and the Balakliya Forestry, a mass outbreak of the six-toothed bark beetle stenographer was found on 73.5 hectares.

The mass reproduction of this bark beetle occurs when tree stands are weakened by root rot Heterobasidion annosum. The drying pattern is patchy, with patches reaching 0.5 hectares. The drying type is basal, affecting the root or water transport system at the base of the trunk. Trees in poor sanitary condition show bark detachment with visible larvae tunnels and signs of fungal damage (so-called “blue stain”).

Reconnaissance monitoring begins in late May – early June. In the early stages, tree infestation is indicated by bark damage, frass at the base of trees, resin exudation, bird pecking, small entrance holes, and distinctive patterns under the bark. During beetle emergence, needles turn yellow and fall off.

Detailed monitoring is conducted from mid to late June on designated plots to assess the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of beetle populations. Monitoring continues from the moment of outbreak detection until its suppression.