Oak Processionary

Moth.

– what is it?The Bookham Tree Wardens

10th July 2019

Oak processionary moth – what is it?

• A non-native moth, Thaumetopoea processionea, from central and southern Europe, first seen in UK in 2005

• Established in Greater London and some surrounding counties

• Huge infestations have arrived in Mole Valley, Ashtead, Bookham etc.

• Eats the leaves of oak trees, causing significant damage

• Primary concern is human (and animal) health

How to recognise OPM• Hairy caterpillars crawling around the branches or trunk in lines, nose-to-tail.

• Often cluster together and build white, silk-type nests in the branches or trunks (not in the leaves) of trees. Nests turn grey over time.

Oak Processionary Moth – the dangers:

Disturbing the caterpillars releases toxic hairs

- Skin irritation

- Breathing difficulties

- Less frequently, serious allergic reaction

5-7% of population at risk of affliction, ranging from minor skin complaints to anaphylaxis

Risk of exposure is highest in May and June

Do not touch or approach OPM nests or caterpillars

Keep dogs from rooting around tree bases

- they suffer the same as humans

Oak Processionary Moth – The treatments:

• Application of approved insecticide or bio-pesticide in spring (mid-April/May) to kill young caterpillars

• Manual removal of nests by trained operatives in late summer after caterpillars have pupated, when all pupae are inside the nests

Surrey County Council advice :

‘The Forestry Commission are responsible for dealing with this pest and all sightings should be reported to them.’

For pet owners the Blue Cross has a useful webpage

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/dogs-and-toxic-oak-processionary-moth-caterpillars

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/land-planning-and-development/countryside/advice/oak-processionary-moth#sightingshttps://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/dogs-and-toxic-oak-processionary-moth-caterpillars

OPM Treatments

• Under no circumstances try to remove the nest/s yourself

• in public parks and streets under EU law treatment is mandatory

• Notifiy the English Forestry Commission on their TreeAlert web page

• We were previously in a control zone but with the increasing outbreak the process is evolving

What is Mole Valley Council doing?

• Prioritising high risk areas

• Triggered a major crisis alert referring you to the Forestry Commission website

• The Forestry Commission have stopped dealing with the problem on private land … they will not be funding spraying.

Advice: if you have OPM on your Oak:

- do not disturb the nests

- contact the Forestry Commission or

MVDC who will provide you with a list

of FC licenced contractors

- See our updated web page:

- http://www.molevalley.gov.uk/

index.cfm?articleid=41072

http://www.molevalley.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=41072http://www.molevalley.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=41072

Oak Processionary Moth

• Spot it

• Avoid it

• Report it

Links and Research: Oak Processionary Moth

• https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/forestry-commission

• https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/forest-research

• https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/pest-and-disease-resources/oak-processionary-moth-thaumetopoea-processionea/opm-manual-4-biology-and-life-cycle/

• https://www.rover.com/blog/uk/uk-dog-health-warnings-processionary-caterpillar-outbreaks-discovered-south-east-england/?fbclid=IwAR0FpC3A4pK76Zk9Sg1l7wyG_agliD5m5gdcN9uH4mpIebhx787tqU7y-TE#

• http://www.molevalley.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=41072

• https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/land-planning-and-development/countryside/advice/oak-processionary-moth

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/forestry-commissionhttps://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/forest-researchhttps://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/pest-and-disease-resources/oak-processionary-moth-thaumetopoea-processionea/opm-manual-4-biology-and-life-cycle/https://www.rover.com/blog/uk/uk-dog-health-warnings-processionary-caterpillar-outbreaks-discovered-south-east-england/?fbclid=IwAR0FpC3A4pK76Zk9Sg1l7wyG_agliD5m5gdcN9uH4mpIebhx787tqU7y-TEhttp://www.molevalley.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=41072https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/land-planning-and-development/countryside/advice/oak-processionary-moth