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 and 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 in response to 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 intensive makes an attempt to eradicate it, has since develop into established.
Unsurprisingly, Oak bushes (Quercus sp.), that are discovered all through Eire, are the principle host species for the Oak Processionary Moth, however in areas the place Oak is scarce the caterpillars have been recognized to feed on different species akin to Birch, Hornbeam, Hawthorn, Hazel and Beech. Based on 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 intensive harm to native Oak bushes via extreme defoliation, leaving bushes weakened and susceptible to secondary an infection, the caterpillars additionally pose a danger 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 problem.
The Oak Processionary Moth overwinters as eggs, rising the next spring, and going via 6 larval phases earlier than pupating and rising as grownup moths from July to September.
The video beneath from the UK Forestry Fee explains what to search for and the right way to establish Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars.
You may view the Division of Agriculture, Meals and the Marine’s Pest Truth Sheet for the Oak Processionary Moth right here.
What to do for those who suppose 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 together with your contact particulars and geolocation of the sighting by emailing [email protected] or by phone 01-505 8885.
The Dos and Don’ts for those who discover a colony of Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars
Don’t
- contact or method nests or caterpillars
- let youngsters contact or method nests or caterpillars
- let animals contact or method nests or caterpillars
- strive eradicating nests or caterpillars your self
Do
- warn youngsters to not contact or method the nests or caterpillars
- search medical recommendation for those who suppose you or somebody you take care of has been significantly affected
- see a vet for those who suppose your pet or livestock has been significantly affected
