The Division of Agriculture, Meals and the Marine confirmed earlier this week that colonies of the invasive Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) had been found on 4 oak bushes in a Dublin housing property. The caterpillars and the bushes have been destroyed in an try to eradicate the pest earlier than it turns into established. Intensive surveying of the encompassing space for additional proof of the moth are ongoing.
Eire has Protected Zone standing for the species below EU Plant Well being laws, and based on Teagasc, is the final European state to be thought-about freed from the Oak Processionary Moth. The species was first recorded within the UK in Southeast England in 2006, and regardless of in depth makes an attempt to eradicate it, has since grow to be established.
Unsurprisingly, Oak bushes (Quercus sp.), that are discovered all through Eire, are the primary host species for the Oak Processionary Moth, however in areas the place Oak is scarce the caterpillars have been identified to feed on different species resembling Birch, Hornbeam, Hawthorn, Hazel and Beech. In line with the Division it’s at the moment unsure whether or not Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars can survive to finish their transformation into grownup moths when feeding on species aside from Oak.
In addition to inflicting in depth injury to native Oak bushes by way of extreme defoliation, leaving bushes weakened and weak to secondary an infection, the caterpillars additionally pose a threat to the well being of people, pets and livestock. If disturbed the caterpillars can launch irritating hairs that set off a extreme allergic response, inflicting pores and skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory issue.
The Oak Processionary Moth overwinters as eggs, rising the next spring, and going by way of 6 larval levels earlier than pupating and rising as grownup moths from July to September.
The video under from the UK Forestry Fee explains what to search for and establish Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars.
You possibly can view the Division of Agriculture, Meals and the Marine’s Pest Truth Sheet for the Oak Processionary Moth right here.
What to do should you assume you’ve noticed the Oak Processionary Moth
Suspected sightings in Eire ought to be handled with excessive warning and notified instantly to the Division of Agriculture, Meals and the Marine along with your contact particulars and geolocation of the sighting by emailing [email protected] or by phone 01-505 8885.
The Dos and Don’ts should you discover a colony of Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars
Don’t
- contact or strategy nests or caterpillars
- let kids contact or strategy nests or caterpillars
- let animals contact or strategy nests or caterpillars
- attempt eradicating nests or caterpillars your self
Do
- warn kids to not contact or strategy the nests or caterpillars
- search medical recommendation should you assume you or somebody you take care of has been severely affected
- see a vet should you assume your pet or livestock has been severely affected
