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Revenge of the beetle: Year of drought spells disaster for Czech forests

Experts warn of a new wave of the destructive bark beetle plague that has devastated Czech forests.

William Nattrass

Written by William Nattrass Published on 20.10.2026 09:11:00 (updated on 20.10.2026) Reading time: 4 minutes

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Bark beetle infestation in the Beskydy mountains. Shutterstock by kundo
Bark beetle infestation in the Beskydy mountains. Shutterstock by kundo

2026 is expected to be one of the driest years in Czechia this century. Record heat and a lack of rain have left many of us hot and bothered, but humans aren’t the only ones. Experts warn that Czechia’s trees have also come under severe strain.

Foresters are sounding the alarm over a feared resurgence of the bark beetle infestation which has decimated Czech forests over the past decade. The spruce bark beetle thrives in hot and dry conditions, while prolonged drought makes trees more vulnerable to disease and pests.

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Jiří Svoboda, Head of the Association of Owners of Municipal, Private and Church Forests, told Novinky.cz that he is “convinced” a new bark beetle calamity is now on its way.

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