Urgent warning over swarm of toxic caterpillars invading UK which cause rashes
Oak processionary moth project manager Andrew Hoppit said: “It is important those living and working in areas affected by oak processionary moth remain vigilant about the health risks they pose, when enjoying outdoor spaces, as we are entering the greatest risk period.”Some 225 people were poisoned by oak processionary moth hairs in 2022 — four times the 56 in 2021.
AN URGENT warning has been made over a swarm of toxic caterpillars invading the UK.”I would advise that members of the public living in London, the surrounding areas and Derbyshire, avoid any contact with the caterpillar and its nests, as this can cause irritation.”A warning has now been issued by the Forestry Commission urging the public to report any sightings to them.Touching the hairs can cause itchy rashes, eye and throat irritation.
Read more on health
But the nests soon become discoloured and brown, making them harder to spot.They are only about 2mm long when they emerge in spring, and tend to remain high in the trees until they are older and larger.That leaves it vulnerable to other stresses, like drought and disease. Not only are they dangerous to people, they also damage Britain’s beautiful oaks.
Most read in Health
If you do find a nest or the caterpillars, officials advised never to try and dispose of them.The insect was first identified in London in 2006, and has since spread to surrounding counties.
As they migrate along the oak, they feed on the tree’s leaves – harming its growth and weakening it.The caterpillars have their name from the way they descend oak trees – in a nose-to-tail processionary form.They usually move nose-to-tail in a procession, hence their name.The bugs pose a serious health risk to people and can leave those who touch them with rashes and difficulty breathing.When fresh, the nests are white with white silken trails made by the caterpillars along the branches and leaves.Oak processionary moth caterpillars might look cute but officials are asking the public to report any sightings and stay clear of touching them.They are found in south east England – having been accidentally transported from Europe in trees for planting.The bugs have been detected across the capital, as well as in Surrey, Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent, and Berkshire.In 2022, the number of “attacks” topped 100 for the first time.Nests are usually found in early summer, in the trunks and branches of oak trees at any height.Professor Nicola Spence, UK chief plant health officer, said: “Oak trees are an iconic and much-loved part of our British landscape.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Nests can be found in the trunk or branches of oak trees and are normally tennis ball-sized and white when fresh before turning brown as they age.The rate of the spread appears to have quickened in the last few years.
How to identify oak processionary moths
They are typically dome or teardrop-shaped, and range from the size of a golf ball to a rugby ball.
The critters are covered in hundreds of white hairs which are venomous.
“By reporting any sightings of the oak processionary moth to the Forestry Commission, we can all minimise the pest’s spread as well as reduce their impact on tree health.
Much of southern England has been conquered since the pests arrived in South West London on a shipment of trees in 2006.
When they reach 1cm long, they develop the irritating hairs. They’re fully grown at 2cm long.
People can report sightings via the TreeAlert website.
You may be able to see them on all parts of the tree – on the trunk, branches and leaves, and occasionally on the ground.
THE caterpillars have black heads and grey bodies covered in long white hairs.
