1. Processionary Bugs
2. Processionary Bugs In House
3. Processionary Bugs Pictures
4. Processionary Bugs Bunny

What do they look like?

Processionary Bugs

The oak processionary is a moth whose caterpillars can be found in oak forests, where they feed on oak leaves, causing significant damage. They travel in nose-to-tail processions, often arrow-headed, with a leader followed by rows of several caterpillars abreast. They are a human irritant because of their venomous setae, which can cause skin irritation and asthma. The species was first described by Carl. The processionary, also called the pine processionary caterpillar, is a worm that lives and attacks coniferous plants such as pine. These caterpillars are characterized by being covered with stinging hairs that make them a real danger of nature. The scary part is that the hairs are the issue. Just how dangerous are pine processionary caterpillars in France to dogs? Of course eating certain bugs can make you sick, but in the case of these pine processionary caterpillars and dogs, their little hairs are the issue and a dog doesn’t have to eat the actual caterpillar to become extremely ill or die. Processionary Caterpillar Ineco Srl performs specific operations for processionary caterpillar in Piemonte, Lombardia, Veneto and throughout North and Central Italy. To get rid of this annoying parasite the Ineco experts adopt the mechanical removal of their nests and larvae. Also specific products are used to eliminate alive specimens. The processionary caterpillar or pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is an insect that normally lives in pine trees - although it can also be found on fir trees and cedars - and it can turn into an infestation.

These caterpillars walk up and down trees in nose-to-tail processions.

If you find them, or spot one of their white silken nests, report it to the Forestry Commission or to your local council. The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth are classified as a public health hazard and the authorities destroy their nests whenever they are reported.

Why are they dangerous?

These oak processionary moth caterpillars are an invasive speciaes which is not native to Britain. They were first found in the UK in 2006 and are now a recurrent problem in London and parts of southeast England. They are not just a health hazard for humans and our pets, but a threat to native species of plants and animals.

In late spring and summer, the caterpillars have thousands of tiny hairs that can cause itchy rashes, eye problems, sore throats – and very occasionally breathing difficulties. The hairs can become detached from the caterpillars and be spread by the wind. The hairs will remain on trees after the caterpillars have moved on. The caterpillars feed on leaves and seriously damage trees, making them liable to other parasites and susceptible to blow down in strong winds.

If you see a caterpillar on your skin and try to brush it off, it will release its harmful hairs as a defence mechanism.

How can I avoid them?

Do not touch any caterpillars! You can watch them without disturbing them, but please report them to the authorities for the sake of the environment.

The caterpillars are at their most dangerous in May, just before they transform into moths.

DID YOU KNOW? Oak processionary moth eggs were introduced to Britan on trees imported from Europe. They are most heavily concentrated in and around London, where thousands of nests have been removed.

What to do if I come into contact with them?

If a caterpillar of the oak processionary moth gets on your skin:

• Use tweezers or a pen to remove it.
• Try not to disturb it (for example, by brushing it off with your hands) as it will then release more hairs.
• Rinse your skin with running water, allow it to air dry and then use sticky tape to strip off any leftover hairs.
• DO NOT towel dry yourself after rinsing.
• Use calamine lotion, ice packs or a pharmacy remedy containing 3.5% ammonia to relieve the itch.
• DO NOT use cream containing antihistamine.
• Remove all contaminated clothes and wash at the highest temperature the fabric allows.

It's that time of year where walkers and dog owners should be extra vigilant when walking in areas where there are pine trees. This is due to the potential presence of toxic caterpillars known as Pine Processionary Caterpillars, which live in white nests and feed on the needles of pine trees and other conifer tree species. They are found widely throughout Europe and are common in both urban and residential areas in Cyprus.
In addition to the damage caused to the trees the caterpillars have thousands of fine hairs containing a protein (thamentopoein) which can cause severe irritation, dermatitis and in some cases an allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock) in both humans and animals. Luckily they are only extremely poisonous whilst in their caterpillar stage.
Due to a dogs naturally curious disposition dog owners are advised to keep their dogs on a lead while out walking in areas where the caterpillars may be or have been. Experts claim that people do not even need to come into direct contact with the bugs as their hairs are easily carried in the wind.
If you think that your dog has come in contact with them, you should immediately consult the nearest vet. Symptoms include gagging, vomiting, respiratory distress, inflammation of the mouth, swelling of the tongue, conjunctivitis and hyper-salivation.
The main advice is to not go near them - keep your children, dogs and other pets away from trees you suspect might be host to processionary caterpillars and their nests.

Whilst it is usually noted that these caterpillars appear in Cyprus in March and early April, they appeared in early February in Kalavasos last year. This year, according to a post on Facebook shown below, they have already been spotted in Potamos so no doubt will be elsewhere.

These photos were taken by our contributing photographer Phil Parker in Kalavasos in early February last year:

Check out this video below from Youtube:

Author: NewsinCyprus.com
Photos: Phil Parker
Added: 12-02-2020

Processionary Bugs In House

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Processionary Bugs Pictures

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