Local News in Brief : Eucalyptus Beetle Infestation Fought

Officials and residents in Palos Verdes Estates are looking for ways to combat an invasion of the pernicious Australian eucalyptus borer beetle, which is having a significant impact on eucalyptus trees.

Combating the pest, whose larvae kill the tree, took center stage at a City Council meeting, where officials said the city has little money to fight the insect, which finds a perfect home in the community’s dense stands of eucalyptus.

“It won’t wipe out our eucalyptus trees, but it is a serious problem and one that does not have an easy solution,” said Councilwoman Ruth Gralow, who presided over the packed council meeting.

Reacting to residents’ concerns, the council is forming a committee made up of members of the city parklands committee, staff members and residents.

The committee will report on the extent of the infestation and devise the best ways to combat it in parklands, along streets and on private property.