Stefan Olausson lives in the property that has been infested with larvae. He thinks it is a nuisance to get rid of the larvae and their sticky web.
Small yellowish larvae with black heads crawl around the entire entrance to the building. The larvae have spread along the façade and crawl on doors, walls and roofs. The larvae spin a web that has covered parts of the façade and the doors.
– Yesterday there were larvae all over the façade including the top floor. It’s difficult to wipe it off and the larvae web gets stuck when you try to brush it off. It’s a part of nature but it shouldn’t be this close to a residential building, it’s a public health hazard, says the tenant Stefan Olausson.
Stefan says that the tree has had infestations for at least the last six years. But this season it has absolutely exploded. He has read up on the larvae and does not think that bird cherry should be planted that close to an apartment building.
– It's not just a couple of larvae, its thousands and they spread out on the top floor as well and have covered the railings in web, Stefan says.
The person most affected is Anette Lundberg. Her front door and the entire entrance has been completely covered in larvae and webs.
Anette Lundberg has not been able to use her front entrance, instead walking in the back due to the larvae attack on the front door.
– We have not been able to use the entrance so have gone in the back because we find it unpleasant. We don't want the larvae coming in. I think the tree is beyond salvage. I could buy another tree myself and put it there if there has to be a tree there, says the tenant Anette Lundberg.
Anette Lundberg contacted Skebo’s customer service and was first told that ”Nature must have its course”. She says that she was a bit disappointed about how she was treated. But she was later contacted by the area manager Jennifer who came to visit. Anette felt that they had a good conversation.
The larvae have eaten everything green on the tree and thereafter spread to the building.
The residents have had to clean webs and larvae from the outdoor areas themselves.
The attacked bird cherry is completely covered in web and larvae. It has been ongoing for many years but this season has seen an enormous escalation.
Doors, walls and the roof at the entrance were invaded by the little larvae when Norran came to visit.
– As long as insects are outside it is our standpoint that nature must have its course and we want to keep our trees so the customer service has given the correct information but they have likely also said that the case has been forwarded for more of an in-depth follow-up and that is where we made another assessment based on the current situation, says Jennifer Fredriksson, Area Manager South.
After the assessment Skebo has decided to remove the tree that is closest to the façade and clean up the larvae from the property.