In the first half of 2015, a total of 369 species of harmful organismswere detected in imported timbers by the Taicang inspection and quarantine bureau, according to the state quality supervision, inspection and quarantine administration.

This accounted for a 15 percent increase from the same period in 2014.

Seven of the 369 species were intercepted for the first time in China. Four of the seven were pathogenic bacteria, invasive to plants and capable of producing diseases.

The majority of the species originated from North American and Oceanic countries. If let in, the species would present a severe threat to the stability of China's forests.

The majority of the species found were bark beetles - ruthless killers of all kinds of trees and herbs. The Latin name for these beetles is Scolytinae.

Out of 6,000 species in the Scolytinae subfamily, approximately 500 bark beetles are known to inhabit regions in China.

Bark beetles dig grooves inside tree trunks or beneath the bark. Their existence is virtually invisible to the naked eye. Due to an increased amount of international trade, they have spread around the world at a rapid pace.