Page 6 - Tree Alert News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Oak Processionary Moths are described as "pests", carry the risk of health problems as should not be touched "under any circumstances". Image: Environment Agency Londoners are being warned on the dangers of coming into contact with a type of pest caterpillar scientists say carries health risks to humans. Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) caterpillars are considered a pest by the government's Forestry Commission (FC) who today (Monday, April 19) urged Londoners not to touch them "under any circumstances". The FC said that late spring to midsummer i.e. May, June and July was the "greatest risk...

Hertsmere Borough Council has been tackling an infestation of moth nests in the borough Further work to tackle the infestation of a moth species in Hertsmere is to begin in April. Forty-eight trees found by council officers to have had oak processionary moth nests are to be chemically sprayed as a warning to the public to keep away. The oak processionary moth caterpillar and their nest can cause itchy rashes, eye irritations and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties in people and pets. Last July, Hertsmere Borough Council contractors removed and safely disposed of nests and caterpi...

Oak processionary moth caterpillars have been spotted in Hertsmere - Credit: Archant Treatment is due to start next month to tackle an infestation of moths in Hertsmere, which can cause allergic reactions in people and pets. Oak processionary moths (OPM) were first reported in three council-owned sites across the borough in May 2020, and since then the council has surveyed over 1,530 oak trees across Hertsmere's parks and open spaces. The survey has shown that 48 trees across 16 council sites have oak processionary moth nests.  Between April and June council contractors will chemically spray...