A destructive insect, the pine tortoise scale ( *Toumeyella parva*), first detected in France in 2021, is causing significant damage to pine forests in the Var region and along the coast. The insect infests and ultimately kills the trees it colonizes, posing a serious threat to the local ecosystem. Authorities are struggling to find effective solutions to control the spread of the infestation. The scale insect is proving difficult to combat, with current methods offering limited success. The situation is particularly concerning for the region’s forestry and environmental health. Further research and intervention strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the impact of this invasive species. The long-term consequences for the forests remain uncertain.