Latvian State of Emergency: Eight-Toothed Spruce Bark Beetle Threatens Forests

Latvian forests are facing a grave crisis as they are being plagued by an infestation of eight-toothed spruce bark beetles (Ips typographus). The scale of destruction has skyrocketed, with an estimated 2,300 hectares (more than 5,600 acres) of spruce forest affected in 2022 alone. In response to this escalating threat, the Latvian government declared a state of emergency in 32 regions effective from April 1st to June 30th.