A growing problem
Last year, the oak processionary caterpillar already caused a lot of nuisance. Tens of thousands of people had to go to the hospital because of skin irritations, eye complaints and shortness of breath due to the caterpillar’s stinging hairs. Although we don’t notice it yet, the problem will get worse in 2020. There are a number of important causes for this growing nuisance. In 2019, the number of oak processionary caterpillars increased significantly. These caterpillars grew into butterflies that started laying eggs. These eggs hatch in the spring, which means that there will be another oak processionary caterpillar infestation. These caterpillars grow into butterflies that will lay eggs. So we can speak of a circle that always comes full circle. Oak trees are an important source of food for the animals. Because more oak trees are planted, more caterpillars can stay alive. In addition, there are fewer natural enemies due to the use of pesticides. Think of the caterpillar carrion beetle, the green lacewing and the bald wood ant. Finally, the higher temperatures contribute to the development of the processionary caterpillar. Due to the mild winter, the eggs will hatch earlier.
Where do we encounter the caterpillars?
Due to the developments, the processionary caterpillar is moving further into our country and will cause nuisance in even more places. According to Richard Piké, it will be especially busy in Utrecht. “The area of the caterpillars shifts a bit to the north every year, because it warms up there. Limburg, Brabant and Drenthe have been affected for years, now it’s the turn of the middle of the country.”
Control methods
There are several methods to combat caterpillars covered with stinging hairs:
- Nematodes. This is a preventive measure, but its effectiveness is questioned. Nematodes are introduced into the tree that eat on a caterpillar that has just hatched. There are no stinging hairs yet as they only get them after a few moults. According to Pike, it’s a good, but short approach. “The nematodes don’t tolerate daylight, so they have to be applied in the dark. They die at first light.”
- Creating a variety of plants and putting up boxes in which great can survive. Piké: “As a result, there are natural enemies nearby that can feed on the caterpillars.”
- Biological pesticides. These can work efficiently, according to the pest controller. The downside is that it also kills caterpillars that are not dangerous.
Conclusion: good preparation is half the battle
Because we are aware of the developments, we know that the processionary caterpillar will most likely make its appearance earlier. The peak last year was on June 15, this year the caterpillars will cause a nuisance earlier. We also know that there will be a lot of nuisance in places where this was also the case last year. So we won’t be completely surprised. That is why we can prepare well now. Piké makes sure he is well prepared for the arrival of the processionary caterpillar. Although he doesn’t think we’ll be able to suppress the plague 100% this year, we can minimize it. Through very thorough prevention and control, the oak processionary caterpillar infestation can be effectively tackled. According to him, the control will start in mid-March.
Who worked for
Pest control service Van der Velden was approached many times last year to combat processionary caterpillars. Municipalities, hospitals, the NS, the Forestry Commission and private individuals enlisted the help of these experts to quickly get rid of the nuisance.
Controlling processionary caterpillars within 24 hours by Van der Velden
Do you think you are suffering from a processionary caterpillar infestation? Do not hesitate and immediately call in Van der Velden Pest Control Service to combat them in a professional manner. We will contact you within 24 hours if you have a request. Contact us at Call me back. You can also reach us via the contact form. Request a quote, get the costs and make an appointment right away. We control processionary caterpillars in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Almere, Haarlem, IJmuiden, Hoofddorp, Uithoorn, Utrecht and ‘t Gooi, among others. With Pest Control Service Van der Velden you will be free of pests again in no time!
