Action plan to eradicate oak processionary moth
The Forestry Commission and local authorities have joined forces to try and eradicate oak processionary moths from west and south-west London.
Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) - a native of southern and central Europe - turned up on trees in west and south-west London in 2006, and began breeding in oak trees in a number of locations there, including Kew Gardens.
The caterpillars are now hatching from eggs laid on oak trees last autumn. Roddie Burgess, head of the Forestry Commission's plant health service, said, "We expected that we would not find and destroy every last nest and caterpillar last year, but we believe that we greatly reduced the potential breeding population. We therefore think we still have a good chance of getting rid of this pest while it is confined to this part of London and before it spreads any further, so we're going after the remaining ones this spring."
The Forestry Commission and its local partners want the public to help by reporting sightings of the caterpillars or the silken nests they spin on the branches and trunks of infested trees to one of the organisations listed below. Caterpillars and nests can then be treated and removed by suitably equipped and trained professionals.
Oak processionary caterpillars - the larval form of the moth - threaten Britain's oak trees, some of which are already under stress from other factors. They do this by eating the leaves, which can lead to complete loss of foliage.
In addition, the caterpillars' hairs contain a toxin that can cause painful and sometimes serious symptoms in people and animals, and for this reason the public are advised not to touch the caterpillars or their nests, and to keep pets away from them.
Further information
Anyone who thinks they have found oak processionary caterpillars, or their nests, should report their sightings to Forest Research or Ealing, Richmond upon Thames, Brent or Hounslow Council, giving as precise details as possible about the location. An Ordnance Survey grid reference is ideal, otherwise an accurate postal address with the full postcode, and/or a clear description of the tree's exact position, is helpful. Digital photos sent with emailed sighting reports can help experts to confirm the sighting.
Sightings anywhere can be reported to Forest Research by telephoning 01420 22255 or by e-mail to christine.tilbury@forestry.gsi.gov.uk. Otherwise, they can be reported to the relevant Council as follows:
- in Ealing Council area, call 020 8825 5000 or e-mail trees@ealing.gov.uk
- in Richmond upon Thames, call 08456 122 660 or e-mail trees@richmond.gov.uk
- in Brent Council area, call 020 8937 5050 or e-mail gary.rimmer@brent.gov.uk; and
- in Hounslow Council area, call 020 8583 5555 or e-mail streetcare@hounslow.gov.uk.
For further information see the oak processionary moth advice profile