Elm Leaf Beetle control to commence

MEDIA RELEASE 20 September 2023

Elm Leaf Beetle control to commence

Council will soon commence elm tree injection work within the Bathurst region as part of a program to protect elm trees from the elm leaf beetle.

Target areas will include Robin Hill, West Bathurst, South Bathurst, Bicentennial Park and Berry Park, Perthville, Rockley, Trunkey Creek, Wattle Flat, Sofala, Evans Plains and Hill End. The works will take place between Monday 9 October and Friday 10 November.

Manager Recreation Mark Kimbel said a total of 345 elms will be stem injected with pesticide by experienced local Contractor which will protect the elm trees against attack for 2-3 years.

“The tree injection method is the most environmentally friendly approach to controlling the elm leaf beetle delivering pesticide directly into the tree, he said”.

Elm Leaf Beetles are around 6mm long and yellowish to olive green with black stripes. The beetles hibernate in sheltered places during winter and emerge in spring to feed on young leaves and lay eggs. The larvae of the beetle hatch shortly after and feed on the leaves throughout summer. Adult beetles eat holes in the leaves, while the larvae skeletonise the leaves of the Elms.

Council encourages property owners with Elm Trees to control the beetle to limit future infestations. Further information including control measures can be found on Councils website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

ENDS

Media Officer