Processionary Caterpillars 2018

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Ricasso
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Processionary Caterpillars 2018

Postby Ricasso » Tue Feb 13, 2018 10:11 am

On a regular (and a favourite) walk in the Cruz del Monte area, east of Cómpeta, I've always been surprised at how many easy to reach Processionary Pine nests there are on people's property and just left. I made sure I cleared mine of nests. I'm surprised that the property owners don't seem bothered - given that each caterpillar will turn into a moth and each moth lays around 300 eggs - 300 more caterpillars... each!

Anyway, as a warning, this area has it's caterpillars processing away from the nests already. I spotted a procession on the hillside yesterday just below the Cruz del Monte Urb. area so dog-walkers beware..
Ricasso,
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nearlynewinspain
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Re: Processionary Caterpillars 2018

Postby nearlynewinspain » Wed Mar 14, 2018 11:44 am

I can confirm, they are very dangerous to dogs (especially). We had an infestation in our garden (pine trees at the back) and the poor wee thing got infected', very ill for a week and lost part of her tongue as a result. The infestation lasted about 10 days. I killed all of them with wasp spray. My wife and I suffered slightly from itching, which we assumed was a reaction to the spoors or whatever they release. Gone now and we don't expect to see them again until Feb next year.

Ricasso
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Re: Processionary Caterpillars 2018

Postby Ricasso » Wed Mar 14, 2018 3:41 pm

That's really bad news but so glad your dog survived. We removed many, many nests form our trees over christmas/New Year when they were less threatening. We think we got rid of them all and are considering treating the trees with Ynject this year..
Ricasso,
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ajtg1952
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Re: Processionary Caterpillars 2018

Postby ajtg1952 » Wed Mar 14, 2018 4:37 pm

I only had one nest this year. Dealt with it in the usual way. It's the hairs that cause irritaion and they are ejected by the caterpiiars if disturbed.

Ricasso
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Re: Processionary Caterpillars 2018

Postby Ricasso » Wed Mar 14, 2018 5:06 pm

which way's that. I burnt mine..
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ajtg1952
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Re: Processionary Caterpillars 2018

Postby ajtg1952 » Wed Mar 14, 2018 9:28 pm

Same way. Pull them out and burn them. Easy!

elusive
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Re: Processionary Caterpillars 2018

Postby elusive » Wed Mar 14, 2018 9:36 pm

If you have a dog then get your trees at least sprayed around october time They are so dangerous.your dog was very lucky. Not many survive. Or look into get them chopped down. It can be done with permission


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