Management of the control against forest pests in Artvin spruce forests

Forests have been decreasing in number and volume constantly since the oldest detectable date. Although human behaviors constitute the main responsible factor for this decrease, pests, such as insects, fungi, etc. also cause significant destruction in this respect. Approximately 50 harmful insect species are effective in our country's forests every year, and the control against these pests is carried out in about 500 thousand hectares of land. It is vital that authorities become aware of the threats occurring in forest areas, such as fires, insect outbreaks, etc., as soon as possible and initiate the control with the support of the public. There is a need to increase the level of knowledge and awareness of all segments of the society in this regard. On the other hand, tools, such as facilities established in forest areas, traps, and bird nests in forest areas to control pests, should also be protected, or at least not damaged by people living in the environment or by those somehow visiting these areas. In recent years, it has been observed that insects, which cause more damage to forests more than fires, have caused significant economic losses in forest enterprises. These harmful bark beetles cause great destruction and loss of wealth in spruce forests in Artvin region, which is one of the most damaged places in this respect. In this study, the province of Artvin where insect damage is experienced was selected. The methods of combating forest pests that damage spruce trees of the forestry organization working in the province of Artvin and their management methods have been examined and evaluated. The effects of the changes in the forest organization structure on the combat management and the situation in the legal legislation have been examined. In addition, a survey was conducted with 100 people to learn about the behavior and attitudes of the local people on this issue. Authorities must first act with the people of the area to be successful in protecting forests. People of the area should be informed about the control carried out by the forest administration, and their contribution should be considered. In this way, the level of success will increase in this control. In addition, a more effective forest organization structure is required for a successful control. © 2021, African Association of Insect Scientists