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	Oak Processionary Moth
	The Oak Processionary Moth is a notorious moth that defoliates Oak Trees and whose caterpillars present a human health problem due to their irritating hairs which contain a poisonous setae. This poison can cause skin irritations and exacerbate breathing problems. Oak processionary moths (Thaumetopoea processionea) are widely distributed in many parts of Northern and Southern Europe and since the summer of 2006 the moth has also arrived in areas in West London, and it is believed to be because of the importation of oak from the Netherlands. The wingspan of the adult moth is between 25 and 35 mm. Their pattern of tan, brown and white make the adults difficult to see against oak bark. Adults fly during July and August. The larvae construct communal nests of white silk from which they crawl at night in single file, head to tail in large processions to feed on foliage in the crowns of oak trees, later to return in the same manner. These moths are posing an increasing threat to humans as their range is being extended by the warming European climate. The backs of older caterpillars are covered with as many as 63,000 pointed defensive bristles containing an urticating toxin known as thaumetopoein or closely related compounds. Infestations of this caterpillar were first found in several locations in London in 2006. The general public have been asked to look out for these caterpillars and to report them, rather than deal with them themselves. The London Boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Hounslow and Richmond Upon Thames have all set up their own task forces to deal with any out breaks. An emergency amendment came into force on the 31st March 2008 which added the Oak Processionary Moth to the list of pests in the The Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 and thus requiring all Oak trees coming into the UK from the rest of Europe, to have Plant Passports Control of the problem is best achieved at the early larval stage by applying a contact treatment, however several treatments may have to be applied to achieve complete control. In advanced stages of mass nesting physical removal of the nests may be required to achieve long lasting suppression of the pest. Incineration of nests is usually undertaken to ensure eradication and to control the possible spread. At no time should the caterpillars be handled.

Oak Processionary Moth

The Oak Processionary Moth is a notorious moth that defoliates Oak Trees and whose caterpillars present a human health problem due to their irritating hairs which contain a poisonous setae. This poison can cause skin irritations and exacerbate breathing problems.

Oak processionary moths (Thaumetopoea processionea) are widely distributed in many parts of Northern and Southern Europe and since the summer of 2006 the moth has also arrived in areas in West London, and it is believed to be because of the importation of oak from the Netherlands.
The wingspan of the adult moth is between 25 and 35 mm. Their pattern of tan, brown and white make the adults difficult to see against oak bark. Adults fly during July and August. The larvae construct communal nests of white silk from which they crawl at night in single file, head to tail in large processions to feed on foliage in the crowns of oak trees, later to return in the same manner.
These moths are posing an increasing threat to humans as their range is being extended by the warming European climate. The backs of older caterpillars are covered with as many as 63,000 pointed defensive bristles containing an urticating toxin known as thaumetopoein or closely related compounds.
Infestations of this caterpillar were first found in several locations in London in 2006. The general public have been asked to look out for these caterpillars and to report them, rather than deal with them themselves. The London Boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Hounslow and Richmond Upon Thames have all set up their own task forces to deal with any out breaks. An emergency amendment came into force on the 31st March 2008 which added the Oak Processionary Moth to the list of pests in the The Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 and thus requiring all Oak trees coming into the UK from the rest of Europe, to have Plant Passports
Control of the problem is best achieved at the early larval stage by applying a contact treatment, however several treatments may have to be applied to achieve complete control. In advanced stages of mass nesting physical removal of the nests may be required to achieve long lasting suppression of the pest. Incineration of nests is usually undertaken to ensure eradication and to control the possible spread. At no time should the caterpillars be handled.

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The Oak Processionary Moth is a notorious moth that defoliates Oak Trees and whose caterpillars present a human health problem due to their irritating hairs which contain a poisonous setae. This poison can cause skin irritations and exacerbate breathing problems.