The mayor has emphasized the importance of maintaining a prudent and vigilant attitude to act promptly with the processionary caterpillars
If you reside in Spain, it is crucial to be informed about a perilous and frequently lethal insect known as the Pine Processionary Caterpillar (Thaumetopoea Pityocampa). Unlike most caterpillars, this particular species can pose a threat to young children and can sometimes cause the death of dogs and cats.
Numerous dog owners have lost their pets after encountering these caterpillars; hence, it is essential to be acquainted with them and the potential hazards they pose.
During early spring, the processionary caterpillars exit their nests in the high Mediterranean pine trees and descend to the ground to undergo pupation, which puts them at risk of coming into contact with young children and inquisitive pets.
Periodic inspections in Marbella parks
During the months of January and February, the City Council, through the Parks and Gardens delegation, conducted periodic inspections in the municipal pines of parks and large green areas to detect any pockets of processionary moths.
However, none were detected. Diego López, the councillor for the branch, stated that this positive outcome was the result of the City Council’s timely work and treatments to ensure the safety of citizens and pets.
Nevertheless, the mayor emphasized the importance of maintaining a prudent and vigilant attitude to act promptly if necessary when temperatures begin to rise. He urged citizens to take appropriate precautions and report any incident to the plant health services, as the processionary moth causes defoliation during its larval stage and can harm people and animals due to the stinging nature of its caterpillars.
The councillor added that periodic inspections of the pines are conducted throughout the year to track this type of pest. The monitoring device is reinforced during the summer months with the installation of capture traps to keep the biological cycle of the processionary moth under control.
Endotherapy treatments are usually administered starting in September to combat this plague. López explained that this technique is harmless to the health of people and animals, as the substance is injected inside the tree and distributed throughout the interior through the sap flow.
He stressed that the City Council’s experience and new methods have practically eradicated the processionary moth in the municipal pines.
Read more: Spain Braces for Early Arrival of Deadly Processionary Caterpillars
