Monterey Pine Engraver (Pseudips mexicanus) discovered in Co Clare

On 12th December 2023, the Department issued a notification of the finding in Co. Clare of a non-European bark beetle Pseudips mexicanus, known as the Monterey pine engraver. These beetles were found in Ireland for the first time in bark beetle traps in conifer plantations in the Cratloe area in Co. Clare. Pine trees are the host of this beetle in its native range in Central America.

Following the first finding and as a precaution and in accordance with the requirements of the EU Plant Health Regulation 2016/2031 and our national plant health legislation (SI No. 459 of 2020), the Department established a 10km demarcated area around the traps where beetles were found.

Intensive follow-up surveys continued in the early part of 2024 with a single finding in a dead pine tree announced in February 2024. Since then, follow-up surveys have continued and additional trap findings of the beetle have been made within and close to the current Demarcated Area in counties Clare and Limerick. These findings do not necessarily represent a spread of the beetle, rather the findings made by the Department are from a wider survey aimed at delimiting the presence of the beetle following the initial findings.

The Department will continue to implement the requirements of the Plant Health Regulation 2016/2031 including the implementation of a contingency plan. As was the case previously movement restrictions will apply to pine wood that is not bark-free originating in the demarcated area. The movement restrictions are being put in place to avoid situations where potentially infested wood may be traded out of the area, facilitating the spread of the beetle, if it happens to be present undetected. Please be informed that the Department is developing systems and protocols to facilitate the felling, movement and processing of this material and will be in contact with you again to keep you updated.

Trapping surveys with lures are ongoing in the current area of focus. In addition, a national network of traps for Pseudips mexicanus has been established outside the Demarcated Area. No wider national findings of the beetle have been made following a first round of surveys. The Department will keep all stakeholders informed as new information may come to hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Department has developed a series of frequently asked questions on the discovery of the Monterey Pine Engraver.

Monterey Pine Engraver Factsheet

The Department’s Plant Science Division’s Pest Risk Analysis Unit (PRAU) have developed summary factsheets on a range of plant pests including a factsheet on Monterey Pine Engraver.

Monterey Pine Engraver Circular to Registered Foresters

Registered foresters were informed of the finding through a circular to the trade issued on 14th December 2023 - Circular 26/2023 - Findings of Monterey pine engraver (Pseudips mexicanus)

Demarcated area

The Department has enlarged the Demarcated Area, on the same basis as the original Demarcated Area was established, i.e. using a 10km radius outward from the new trap findings. A map indicating the extent of the new Demarcated Area is below.

Monterey Pine Engraver Further questions, suspected sighting

All stakeholders are requested to remain vigilant and to report anything suspect to forestprotection@agriculture.gov.ie