Warning on oak processionary moth issued forward of peak season

The public are being urged to be vigilant for any sightings of oak processionary moth caterpillars, a tree pest of oak timber.

The caterpillars – predominantly present in South East England – descend down oak timber in head-to-tail procession, incomes them their identify. They feed on the leaves as they transfer which might negatively affect the oaks progress. This can weaken the tree and go away it extra susceptible to different stresses, corresponding to ailments. 

The warning has been issued as we speak by the Forestry Commission who’re urging the general public to report any sightings through the TreeAlert portal or by e-mail to opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk, together with a photograph and placement.

Oak processionary moth caterpillars are lined in lengthy hairs that may trigger itchy rashes, eye and throat irritation and shouldn’t be touched beneath any circumstances. They additionally type silky white nests, ranging in dimension from as small as a 50 pence piece as much as a melon. These nests discolour over the season, showing soiled and brown by August. The nests additionally comprise the hairs, and equally shouldn’t be touched. The nests could be discovered on the trunk or the underside of branches of oak timber. Members of the general public are urged by no means to try to take away or eliminate the nests themselves. 

Forestry Commission Oak Processionary Moth Programme Manager Dr Edward Straw mentioned:

“The heat climate in spring has led to oak processionary moth rising faster than in earlier years and we may even see greater infestation ranges.

“It is necessary these residing and dealing in areas affected by oak processionary moth stay vigilant particularly.

“The Forestry Commission has a whole host of information online that can be used to identify the moth, simply visit managing oak processionary moth in England. If you spot the pest, report the sighting via our TreeAlert portal. Alternatively, you can email opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk.”

Professor Nicola Spence, Defra Chief Plant Health Officer, mentioned:

“Oak timber are an iconic and much-loved a part of our British panorama. By reporting any sightings of oak processionary moth to the Forestry Commission, we are able to all minimise the pest’s unfold in addition to scale back their affect on tree well being. 

“I would advise that members of the public living in the South East, Derbyshire and Dorset, avoid any contact with the caterpillar and its nests, as this can cause irritation.”

Oak processionary moth was first recognized in London in 2006 after being by accident transported over from Europe in timber for planting. It has since unfold to surrounding counties within the South East of England, and the Forestry Commission is presently managing two outbreaks outdoors of the South East in Derbyshire and Dorset.

The Forestry Commission continues to undertake a administration programme and intensive surveillance work is in place to observe the world and proceed to direct applicable management measures to stop the potential unfold of oak processionary moth.

Additional info:

How to establish Oak processionary moth caterpillars

• Nests are sometimes dome or teardrop-shaped, averaging the dimensions of a tennis ball. They are white when recent, however quickly change into discoloured and brown. The caterpillars have black heads and our bodies lined in lengthy white hairs which comprise proteins which might trigger itchy rashes, eye, and throat irritations. They may sometimes trigger respiration difficulties in individuals and pets, so shouldn’t be touched beneath any circumstances.
• A public information leaflet overlaying the way to establish OPM and strategies to manage is offered.
• There can also be a doc outlining species commonly confused with OPM which could be discovered.
• For extra info, go to ‘Managing Oak Processionary Moth in England’.

Contact with Oak Processionary Moth