Natural disaster due to bark beetle typhoid cancelled

The Ministry of Environment, on the basis of a proposal from the State Forest Service (SFS), is lifting the natural disaster for bark beetle damage in forests in Šalčininkai, Vilnius districts and the municipality of Kazlų Rūda from 1 November 2025. The decision was taken following an assessment of the latest data and changes in the methodology, which allow for more effective monitoring and management of the pest.

According to the MoEW, the volume of bark beetle outbreaks has been significantly reduced and does not reach the threshold of a natural disaster in any of the municipalities - 25 thousand cubic metres of damaged spruce trees. In addition, the bark beetle is inactive during the cold season, and the few lesions recorded in recent months have not contributed to the overall worsening of the situation.

But the cancellation of a natural disaster does not mean relaxation – on the contrary, preventive action is being stepped up to ensure the protection of the country's forests against a future wave of the pest. These measures include intensified monitoring of hotspots, coordinated action and the use of the latest technologies to manage the situation.

It is predicted that the bark beetle typhoid population may increase again in the spring of 2026, as many of the pests have been left to overwinter under the bark of spruce trees and in the forest understorey. It is therefore essential to prepare in advance for preventive action, to remove damaged spruce trees with remaining bark beetles from the forest and to prevent further damage to forests in the future.