Toxic Caterpillar Warning Issued by Hounslow Council

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Oak Processionary Moth infestations being removed across the borough

Oak Processionary Moth on an oak tree. Picture: Kleuske (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Hounslow Council has issued a warning to residents about toxic caterpillars that can cause eye and throat irritations in humans.

As part of the nationwide effort, work has started in some parts of Hounslow to removing the caterpillar nests of the Oak Processionary Moth (OPM).

The caterpillars, which can also cause itchy rashes and breathing difficulties, are easily recognisable because of their long white hairs and the way they travel in nose to tail processions.

The Council is warning residents to avoid contact with the caterpillars and is urging residents to report sightings to the Forestry Commission’s Tree Alert service to help with a national effort to stop their spread.

The caterpillar nests are usually found on oak tree trunks or branches which can occur in rounded and sometimes hammock-like nests that resemble a greyish bundle of cotton.

If left unchecked, the invasive species can decimate oak trees by stripping them of their leaves, resulting in bare trees that are more open to disease and other pests.

Hounslow Council’s tree management team GreenSpace 360 removed caterpillar nests in the Bedfont area earlier this month and further removals are expected to take place from mid-July when nesting is expected to intensify.

An Oak Processionary Moth nest

Cllr Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said, “I know many of you will be enjoying spending time in the borough’s beautiful parks and other green spaces with oak trees over the summer, but I urge you not to approach these caterpillars or their nests if you spot them and to prevent children from doing the same.

“It’s also advisable to minimise spending time under or in the downwind of any infested oak tree, especially on windy days during the summer.

“It’s important that residents should not attempt to remove the nests themselves. Please report any sightings using the Tree Alert service and be assured that Hounslow Council’s tree management team is working very hard to manage this problem.”

Residents can report a sighting to the Tree Alert service by visiting treealert.forestresearch.gov.uk

The Forestry Commission advises that the oak processionary caterpillars only build their nests on the trunks and branches of oak trees. They are never found among the leaves of an oak tree or on structures such as buildings, gates and fences, so caterpillars or nests in these situations need not be reported. They are only rarely found in other trees, and usually only if they run out of oak leaves to eat.
 
Anyone displaying symptoms including skin or eye irritations following possible OPM contact should visit a pharmacist, or call NHS111 for more-serious reactions. Contact a vet if an animal is affected.
 
For further information visit the Forestry Commission website: www.forestry.gov.uk/opm

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June 29, 2021