The Dangerous Pine Processionary Caterpillar!

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
25/02/2012 20:54

Hi Folks,

While out for a walk today, I came across a nest of baby caterpillars.

Not sure if they were the dangerous ones, wasn't taking any chances.

If you don't know of them or have moved here recently, you should read about them.

They are in TRNC/Cyprus and Very Dangerous, see links...

http://martin-oldfield.suite101.com/the-dangerous-pine-processionary-caterpillar-a207472

http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/33062.asp

Navek

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
26/02/2012 08:28

An extremely public spirited and informative posting, 'Navek' - many thanks and well done!



These nests are tough as....impenetrable - spraying with insecticide is useless.



These nests are most often found in pine trees and the only way I've found to get rid of them is to cut off the branch that the nest/cocoon is attached to and pour petrol/diesel/kerosene on it and burn it out - only then will it be destroyed and help to prevent yet another generation of infestation of these nasty blighters.

blade


Joined: 19/06/2010
Posts: 1286

Message Posted:
26/02/2012 14:17

Now i was told all pine trees belong to the goverment and you need a licence and permissions to cut them?

Don't know how true that is? Can anyone confirm?

Jovial_John


Joined: 31/01/2009
Posts: 1024

Message Posted:
26/02/2012 14:33

A couple more sites with better photos:-

http://web.cortland.edu/fitzgerald/pineprocessionary.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Processionary

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
06/03/2012 00:14

The bundles of caterpillars you see on the ground are not the dangerous pine processionary moth.

Pine processionary moth caterpillars are found en mass in the white/sandy coloured woven nests hanging from the branches of a pine tree. Do not touch them if you don't know what you are doing.

The caterpillars hatch out and crawl along the branches eating the fresh pine needles (often killing the tree). They then form a procession down the trunk and along the ground until they find place to bury themselves individually for three years... after which they hatch out as moths and the process starts again. At no point do they gather forming a heaving mass on the ground.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
06/03/2012 00:19

It has been observed that the recent cold spell has killed quite a few nests which good news.

treemancyprus


Joined: 13/08/2008
Posts: 82

Message Posted:
21/03/2012 15:08

Have just climbed a friends tree to cut off the branches containing around 10 nests. Then burned the nests to kill the caterpillars. One of the bigger nests had around 60 caterpillars ! - if you do decide to take action yourself to eliminate the nests (before they pupate and start the whole process again), be very careful. Touching or even disturbing these caterpillars causes them to release tiny but very nasty 'hooks', which if in contact with the skin can cause a nasty itching reaction. Wear gloves, long sleeves, etc . Be careful if burning the nests as this can cause these 'hooks' to be released in to the air. Stay upwing or a far away as possible. Cats and dogs who investigate these caterpillars can also be affected. Although they have several preferred species of pine tree to nest in and feed upon, I have only seen them here in the Calabrian Pine (Pinus brutia). Unfortunately, it's the commonest pine on the island!

Smity



Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 826

Message Posted:
21/03/2012 15:19

Wow they sound like nasty little blighters & just as nasty alive or dead

spud50


Joined: 02/05/2008
Posts: 213

Message Posted:
21/03/2012 15:55

What are the bundles of caterpillars that you see on the ground?

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
21/03/2012 16:32

If you HAVE to handle them, I would advise you to wear gloves, goggles and a mouth mask,

wash & clean all your clothes as soon as you're finished,

and have a shower!

The hooks can cause lung problems if breathed in.



"Under no circumstances should you try to handle the caterpillars or their nests"

end of paragraph 10...

http://www.grazalemaguide.com/nature-news/34-general-nature/175-beware-of-pine-processionary-caterpillars-.html

Navek

magalan


Joined: 17/01/2009
Posts: 227

Message Posted:
21/03/2012 20:46

There are quite a few "infestations" on Korineum Golf Course .................



Golfers beware!!

dippersgirl



Joined: 04/05/2010
Posts: 795

Message Posted:
21/03/2012 21:13

Here are my pictures of them in Dipkarpaz, didn't know what they were then but only poked them with a stick as i'm always wary of unknown caterpillars

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150617883611096.453092.776581095&type=3&l=d9d15b4c73



there are other pictures in the set, but four of them are of these little blighters

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
22/03/2012 04:41

\now here we see already a shinning example of NIMBY,ism our member from the Karpaz is normally extolling her environmental awareness. Promoting nature and of course her opposition to the oil terminal, and now interfering with the food chain. Just remember those in glass houses...

dippersgirl



Joined: 04/05/2010
Posts: 795

Message Posted:
22/03/2012 11:08

very funny hippo

I do not exterminate the caterpillars, leaving that to the daleks

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
22/03/2012 12:51

I don't think there are enough Hoppoes to eat all the larvae lett alone Hippos!