Measures against pests in Samtskhe-Javakheti
Measures are taken to combat the pest - Bark beetle in Samtskhe-Javakheti. In spring of 2022, the National Forestry Agency placed up to 3,000 pheromone traps in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region (Borjomi, Bakuriani, Akhaltsikhe, Adigeni, Aspindza). Pheromone traps control the number of pests and destroy trapped insects.
Based on the 2021 monitoring results, pest reproduction and spruce wilting intensity has drastically reduced. Removal of dried and diseased trees from the area is carried out through sanitary felling.
Bark beetle - is a pest that has spread in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region since the 1950s and has caused severe damage to spruce groves. Control measures have been carried out by the National Forestry Agency on an area of 26,000 hectares, since 2013. From 2013 to 2022 a total of 26 million pests were caught and destroyed.
According to Giorgi Khabeishvili, Head of the Forest Maintenance and Restoration Department of the National Forestry Agency, the Borjomi Plateau was the most damaged by pests area.
"Due to proximity to the settlement, the Plateau is a major recreational area, and it is important to save it to maintain and improve the ecological condition, as well as the tourism potential of the region," - said Giorgi Khabeishvili.
Based on the results of regular monitoring, the Forestry Agency plans to implement raft measures for forest care and restoration.
