The decline of the house longhorn beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus) in Europe and its possible causes

Abstract

ABSTRACTAccording to a literature review and modern survey data from Germany, the incidence of active infestations of wooden structures of German and Swedish houses has declined significantly in the last 60 years. A similar trend can be estimated for several other European countries. In order to understand the possible causes for the decline, the available literature about HB of the last 80 years was evaluated. The decline can probably be attributed to the chemical measures applied in the past, the changed building practice, the decreased danger of introducing larvae through already-infested timber and the reduced presence of wane in timber for structural use. The article describes how questionnaires distributed among experts and the use of Citizen Science Data may contribute to the future monitoring of HB and other wood-destroying organisms.