The invasive insect could cause issues if touched.
Oak processionary moths may hurt anybody who touches them (Picture: Getty)
Households in England are being warned to be ‘vigilant’ and report any sightings of an invasive insect which is surging in numbers once more following the latest scorching climate.
Oak processionary moth caterpillars are a pest which harm oak timber however additionally they trigger itchy rashes and eye and throat irritation to anybody who touches them.
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The Forestry Fee has at this time (June 1) issued a warning to households, notably within the South East of England the place they are typically most frequently discovered, urging them to not contact one in the event that they see it and take a photograph of any sighting to report it.
The Forestry Fee is urging the general public to report any sightings through the TreeAlert portal or by electronic mail to opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk, together with a photograph and placement.
Oak processionary moth caterpillars are lined in lengthy hairs that may trigger itchy rashes, eye and throat irritation and shouldn’t be touched below any circumstances.
In addition they type silky white nests, ranging in dimension from as small as a 50 pence piece as much as a melon. These nests discolour over the season, showing soiled and brown by August. The nests additionally comprise the hairs, and equally shouldn’t be touched. The nests might be discovered on the trunk or the underside of branches of oak timber. Members of the general public are urged by no means to attempt to take away or get rid of the nests themselves.
Forestry Fee Oak Processionary Moth Programme supervisor Dr Edward Straw mentioned: “The nice and cozy climate in spring has led to oak processionary moth rising faster than in earlier years and we might even see greater infestation ranges.
“It will be significant these residing and dealing in areas affected by oak processionary moth stay vigilant particularly.”
Professor Nicola Spence, Defra Chief Plant Well being Officer, mentioned: “Oak timber are an iconic and much-loved a part of our British panorama. By reporting any sightings of oak processionary moth to the Forestry Fee, we are able to all minimise the pest’s unfold in addition to scale back their influence on tree well being.
“I’d advise that members of the general public residing within the South East, Derbyshire and Dorset, keep away from any contact with the caterpillar and its nests, as this could trigger irritation.”
Oak processionary moth was first recognized in London in 2006 after being by chance transported over from Europe in timber for planting. It has since unfold to surrounding counties within the South East of England, and the Forestry Fee is presently managing two outbreaks exterior of the South East in Derbyshire and Dorset.
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