All about the much-discussed processionary caterpillar
In recent weeks, oak processionary caterpillars have dominated the news. And every year the processionary plague seems to become more and more intense. Suddenly, everyone in the Netherlands had a lot of trouble with the so-called itch caterpillar. People no longer dared to go into their own gardens, schools avoided certain sports parks and people asked for medical advice from doctors and on internet forums. But what do we actually know about the oak processionary caterpillar? Pest control service Van der Velden has listed the 25 most frequently asked questions about the oak processionary caterpillar!
What tree species does the oak processionary caterpillar live in?
The oak processionary caterpillar has a number of favorite oaks, namely: the pedunculate oak, the Hungarian oak, the moss oak, the marsh oak, the American oak and the holm oak. The oak column is also a popular oak tree among the oak processionary caterpillars.
Why does the oak processionary caterpillar make a nest in the first place?
To be able to take shelter from natural enemies. Predatory beetles, birds and praying mantises love these caterpillars.
When does the oak processionary caterpillar pose a danger to humans?
From the third molting stage, oak processionary caterpillars develop the dangerous stinging hairs in addition to normal white hairs. These stinging hairs pose health risks when contacted. This can cause skin complaints, eye complaints and respiratory complaints, among other things.
How do I recognize the nest of an oak processionary caterpillar?
From the fourth larval stage, oak processionary caterpillars start nesting. Then spiders appear in places where the processionary caterpillars begin to build their nests. The webbing with which the nests are built looks very much like a white nylon stocking.
Why do oak processionary caterpillars have stinging hairs in the first place?
The stinging hairs of the oak processionary caterpillar act as a defense. When the oak processionary caterpillar feels threatened, the processionary caterpillars shoot their stinging hairs to scare off their enemies.
How many stinging hairs does an oak processionary caterpillar have?
From the third larval stage, an oak processionary caterpillar has approximately 700,000 stinging hairs. With each molt, the stinging hairs are renewed. An oak processionary caterpillar moults three times. Each caterpillar produces more than two million stinging hairs!
How can someone come into contact with stinging hairs of an oak processionary caterpillar?
Stinging hairs are shot off in the event of unwanted visitors or unwanted touch. Stinging hairs can also be carried by the wind from nests and dispersed. Vibrations in traffic can also cause someone to come into contact with the stinging hairs.
How long do oak processionary caterpillar stinging hairs remain active?
Stinging hairs retain their activity for 6 to 8 years. They can therefore also cause nuisance in places where the caterpillar has not been present for several years.
If you have stinging hairs on your body or clothing, can you pass them on to others?
Yes. However, there must be physical contact.
Are there stinging hairs in the nests of the oak processionary caterpillar?
Yes. The nests are full of stinging hairs because of the molting skins and caterpillars. So always stay away!
How far can stinging hairs blow away from oak processionary caterpillars?
Of course, that depends on the wind force. Loose molting skins can blow hundreds of meters in strong winds.
How does rain affect stinging hairs?
When it rains, stinging hairs wash away. When it has rained, you can see that the number of people with complaints decreases. However, it is not a guarantee that the stinging hairs are no longer there.
Can I sit in my garden if there are infested oaks nearby?
No. This is only possible if professional control has been applied. Mowing lawns infested with stinging hairs can also pose a risk. Garden furniture can also be contaminated.
Can I hang laundry outside in an infested area?
This is not wise. There is a chance that the wax will become contaminated with stinging hairs.
Am I protected against the oak processionary caterpillar in my car?
If you stay away from infected trees, you are basically safe from stinging hairs from the oak processionary caterpillar. When you get close, stinging hairs can enter cars. The filter package of cars is insufficient to prevent the entry of stinging hairs. In the case of infested trees, limit the use of the fan.
An oak tree in my area has been infested by oak processionary caterpillars. Where can I report this?
Tree owners are responsible for removing oak processionary caterpillars. Report to the municipality if your tree is affected by the oak processionary caterpillar. They can then call in a pest controller. Always do this as soon as possible.
How long do oak processionary caterpillar nests stay in trees?
A well-anchored nest can hang on a tree for years. Due to strong weather influences, they can fall out of the tree.
When is the best time to have oak processionary caterpillars and nests removed?
Once they have gathered to nest and/or are already nested.
After removing the caterpillars and nests, are all the stinging hairs gone?
With the removal of the caterpillars and nests, the source of stinging hairs has disappeared. Of course, it is possible that the stinging hairs have been scattered before removal.
Can people get rid of the oak processionary caterpillars themselves?
No. It is strongly discouraged to control the oak processionary caterpillar itself. The chance of spreading and contact with stinging hairs is always extremely high. So absolutely do not do this!
Who can remove oak processionary caterpillars and nests?
Nests should only be removed by professional pest controllers!
Are the problems over when the oak processionary caterpillars have pupated and flown away like moths?
No. The nests of the oak processionary caterpillars are completely full of stinging hairs. When molting, new stinging hairs are produced. The old stinging hairs also remain in the nests.
Can moths cause damage?
No. They can, however, spread stinging hairs when they leave the nest.
Isn’t cutting down all the oaks in the Netherlands a good solution?
Oak trees are the main source of food for the oak processionary caterpillar. However, it is not realistic to solve the problem by cutting down all the oaks. Oaks have a great ecological value, are a valued type of wood and provide many ecosystem services.
Why isn’t the army deployed to fight the oak processionary caterpillar?
In the past, the Belgian government has deployed its army to combat oak processionary caterpillars. This did not have the desired effect at the time. Only professional pest controllers can control the oak processionary caterpillar.
Nuisance caused by the oak processionary caterpillar? Fighting processionary caterpillars by Van der Velden!
Are you also bothered by the oak processionary caterpillar? And is there a processionary upstroke taking place in a park where you live or work nearby? Then have them professionally controlled and removed by Pest Control Service Van der Velden! After request, we will contact you within 24 hours. Please contact us via 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 Bestrijdingsdienst Van der Velden you can quickly get rid of this annoying itch caterpillar.
