ARCHIVED - Anti-pine processionary caterpillar treatment begins in Jumilla

The processionary season has been beginning earlier and earlier in Murcia in recent years

In recent years the date on which the first “processionary caterpillar” nests of the winter have appeared in pine trees throughout the Region of Murcia has been getting earlier and earlier, and in consequence many Town Halls, among them Jumilla in the north, are currently taking steps to limit the nuisance caused by the troublesome creatures as far as possible.

In Jumilla an endotherapeutic treatment is being administered to pine trees as this is an environmentally friendly approach as well as being economical and harmless for humans and other animals. Two insecticides are injected into the trunk of trees and are then distributed by the sap in such as way that the affect insects feeding off the needles.

The pine processionary is so called because members of the species in the caterpillar phase of their life cycle, before they metamorphose into moths, form nose-to-tail processions as they leave their soft cocoon nest of spun filaments. There can be hundreds of caterpillars nose to tail, winding along roads, paths, gardens or rough ground, and although they may appear innocuous they can be lethal to animals and cause serious reactions in humans, especially young children.

This is because they have poisonous and irritant brittle hairs on their bodies, which can penetrate the skin easily and cause instant irritation, and unfortunately dogs and cats are often attracted to them by their bittersweet smell and taste. The results can be fatal, so beware when walking your pet in the vicinity of pine trees during the spring!

The caterpillars are most vulnerable while still in their silvery nests in pine trees, so this is the best time to dispose of them. Wearing eye protection, gloves, and covering as much skin as possible, cut the nest carefully out of the tree with long handled pruners, attempting to keep the nest intact, put it in a plastic bag and throw it in a bin.

If the nests are low down, spraying with hair spray first will stop the hairs flying off and spraying with insect spray or fly spray before putting in a plastic bag helps to eliminate them completely.

Do NOT touch with bare hands; use disposable gloves, preferably thick rubber or plastic, and definitely do not use cotton gloves as the hairs can stick to these and continue to irritate.

Knocking the nests out of the tree is dangerous, as the hairs can fly around in the air and settle on the ground, where they can be picked up by animals and also cause irritation for humans, particularly those who fail to wear goggles. Similarly, burning is not advisable unless you have a hot fire going which can incinerate the branches immediately. Lighting a bonfire containing the nests still gives the opportunity for hairs to fly into the air.

At the same time, it is recommended that if you come into contact with the caterpillars you should wash the area of skin affected immediately with hot water or vinegar – but don’t rub it – and seek medical attention immediately.

Should curious pets suddenly be observed showing symptoms of irritation (including excessive salivating, swollen tongue or lips vomiting, take them to the vet as soon as possible, again after washing down with hot or warm water.