processionary caterpillars
New to area we have noticed nest appearing, but have no real Spanish to get advice, our dog has had a nasty run in with these beasties, please any advice on how to get this sorted would be greatly appreciated
cheers
New to area we have noticed nest appearing, but have no real Spanish to get advice, our dog has had a nasty run in with these beasties, please any advice on how to get this sorted would be greatly appreciated
cheers
Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2019 9:57am
Hi
My name is Trac
Re the caterpillars
Are you living in an area with lots of pine trees?
Unfortunately as you probably know these beasts are deadly for dogs.. so the only safe way is to keep away from these areas . I have 4 dogs and I have to walk them in areas without the pine trees. As I live in an area with lots of trees it means me driving somewhere to walk them
If you have trees in your garden.. These can be injected so nests dont form... however this is usually done around November before the nests form... These nests can be removed by professional companies... and if you have thr nests asap before these creatures come down
Some people put special things around the trunks of the trees that either catch them as they come down or prevent them being able to get down
Please contact me on my phone number if you would like to chat more about this or even if you fancy meeting for a coffee / dog walk?
I live Los Gallos / La Barrosa area...
Tracy
Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2019 6:08pm
I sadly dumped the number I had for removing them by spraying, when I left the area. However I am now back! Try asking Info Centre or even a neighbour. Ayuntamiento used to spray trees free, but I believe stopped, but they may give you a number to call. Meantime, if in your garden sweep up and place in bucket of water. Also sweep up and rid anything that looks like little black eggs all over the ground - theirs!! Please keep your pets away from them during this period as they are lethal. I know of a dog losing half its tongue! The danger is the dust on them. If branch low enough, cut off and burn. Even if you touch them it can cause a nasty rash or if a child touches one, then touches his own throat area, it is dangerous causing throat to close up & needs a hospital visit. Good news is they are around Jan/Feb time only, usually. Keel to the road if in campo and away from edges. They need to be on a lead at this time. Catterpillars will walk down trunk of tree from their nest or just drop to ground and walk off in a procession line. Usually found in pine trees areas.
I hope that helps a little. Good luck.
Posted: Tue Jan 7, 2020 11:44pm
Please do not sweep the caterpillars.. They will fire their hairs into the air and will itch and coul. d cause a bad allergic reaction. I if you get close they act on vibrations so be very careful. I did manage to carefully sweep but wearing mask gloves and a raincoat then put the in a bucket of water which they hate and. Be very careful.l. They are deadly to dogs.
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Posted: Wed Jan 8, 2020 10:16am
Thank you! We nearly lost our dog last year so are now more aware and will be extremely vigilant! Not an experience I wish to relive. Thanks again.
Posted: Wed Jan 8, 2020 10:19am
Very helpful thank you. We are going to be extremely vigilant and alert as nearly lost our beloved dog to them last year. He actually dug one up that had gone to ground to pupate!! Worst experience ever. Thanks again.
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2020 1:30pm
We have just seen active processionary caterpillars so all dog walkers be additionally aware & vigilant!!!
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