oak processionary moth

Thaumetopoea processionea

April onwards is the main period for the poisonous larval caterpillar stage of this pest with a flight season during July and August. The moth is a recent entrant to the UK, possibly as a side-effect of global warning and it has no natural predators in the northern reaches.

The larva is covered with up to 63,000 pointed defensive bristles containing an urticating toxin and these break off readily, becoming airborne and potentially causing epidemic caterpillar dermatitis. Other effects can include irritation to the skin with severe rashes and potentially breathing difficulties, asthma and in severe cases anaphylaxis. The general public have been asked to look out for these caterpillars and to report them, rather than try to deal with them themselves.

At Complete Weed Control we offer a comprehensive service for effective treatment, using environmentally friendly techniques and fully trained operatives.

We provide nationwide coverage for the control of oak processionary moth and other insect pests and we strongly advise you seek the professional help and support that we can supply, to deal with this growing menace.