What is oak processionary moth?

Oak processionary moth has caterpillars that are covered in irritant (urticating) hairs that can pose a health risk to humans and animals. The moth is not native to Britain but has become established in London and some surrounding areas since it was first found in south west London in 2005. If the caterpillars are found outside of the 'core zone' in London it should be reported via TreeAlert 

Adults moths are brown with a wingspan of 25-35mm and are similar in appearance to several other moth species found in Britain. They emerge from pupae in mid to late summer and only live for a few days in which time they mate and lay eggs usually high up in oak trees. The moth overwinters as eggs. The eggs hatch in spring, between March and late April. The caterpillars usually initially feed high up in oak trees, and at this stage often go unnoticed.

By late spring to early summer the caterpillars become larger (20-25 mm) and are dark in colour covered with many white hairs. At this stage they become easily recognised as they have the distinctive habit of moving around in nose to tail processions, which give the species its name. The caterpillars also construct white webbing nests on trucks and branches of oak trees. At this time the caterpillars spend much of the day in the nests leaving in processions to feed at dawn and dusk.

When the nests and processions of caterpillars become visible it is at this stage that the irritant (urticating) hairs have developed which pose the potential of causing rashes and respiratory problems in humans and animals. 

Symptoms

Whilst the caterpillars can defoliate parts of oak trees the most obvious signs of the presence of this moth are the dark hairy 25mm long caterpillars which are present in late spring and early summer. They are easily recognised as they have moving around in nose to tail processions, these processions usually leaving white silken trails behind.

In addition the caterpillars construct white webbing nests on trucks and branches of oak trees. The white silk often discolours brown. During late spring and early summer the caterpillars spend much of the day in the nests leaving in processions to feed at dawn and dusk, occasionally they will process between oak trees. The empty nests can remain present throughout the winter. 

The problem

The caterpillars of oak processionary moth can defoliate oak trees however it is the irritant (urticating) hairs that have the potential to cause health problems to humans and animals. Read more: Forest Research public and animal health advice.

The moth is native to southern Europe but has recently become more widespread in northern Europe. It appeared in South West London in 2005 and has since become widespread in West and South West London.
A Government surveillance programme has divided the UK into three areas:
Core zone– the large area of London where the moth is now well established;
Buffer zone– around the core zone, including large areas of Surrey and other parts of London where attempts are being made to slow the moth’s spread
Protected zone – the rest of UK where eradication measures are taken if the moths is found. Swift eradication measures were take in 2019 when caterpillars were found on recently imported trees in Cardiff, Hampshire and Birmingham in 2019. In 2020 eradication was carried out in Bedfordshire, Cheshire, West Sussex and Oxfordshire in 2020.
There are now tough restrictions on importing oaks into the UK reducing the risk of the caterpillars being imported, find out more here

Find out more control and containment programme co-ordinated by the Forestry Research.

Control

Before reporting a suspected case of oak processionary moth please check the information from Forest Research. Key identification points;

• Oak processionary moth feeds almost exclusively on oak trees (Quercus)
• Oak processionary moth caterpillars can be distinguished by the distinctive habit of moving in nose-to-tail processions and clustering together, often in silken nests
• The nests are never woven in or on leaves but are always on the bark of oak trees. As empty nests can retain the irritating hairs these should also be reported
• Be aware that many other species of harmless moth caterpillar also produce webbing. In gardens these include the cotoneaster webber and small ermine moths

If you are still convinced they are indeed oak processionary moth caterpillars, what should you do?

• Do not approach or touch the caterpillars or nests
• Suspected cases should be reported via TreeAlert and where possible the landowner. If the landowner is aware that this moth is present in the location they may already have a strategy for its containment and control. Please follow any warning signs and safety information provided
• Due to the irritant hairs control of this insect should only be carried out by professional contractors. More information is available from the Forest Research