Re: processionary caterpillars
 

Some pictues of my small pines with nests I killed, and one in a high tree I didn't.
I thought I had pictures of the bark beetles too, but I can't find them now.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...15a924d8b6.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...7d81515eba.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...ac11fac80c.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...6dedb0f446.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...d1ffaeb9bb.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...2501dfec88.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...aa43c21a6e.jpg

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

Yes it is for real-whole roads would be closed in the early morning and they would get a good blasting then sprayed and a road sweeping lorry would suck them all up and take them off for a mass bonfire-the Italians love a bit of drama

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

The active ingredient in that insecticide is Cipermethrin (Cipermetrina in Portuguese). You can buy that from Sanipina in Lagoa or ADP in Portimāo (opposite Aqua next to GLS), it's behind the counter so you have to ask. Dilute in a sprayer with water and away you go.

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

Is the license required ?

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

I've never been asked for one. I bought from both places last year. I use the same product in a home made fertigator to control ants on a lawn.

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

Went to Lagoa today but Sanipini wouldn,t play ball - certificate required.
ADP however were extremely helpful and fixed me up
Enquired about doing the course to get the certificate - 140€ 5 consecutive Saturdays all day and an exam at the end Hmmm.
Anyway, thanks for the heads up Score76, lets hope ADP continue to accommodate !

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

Only in Portuguese I was told, so you'd have to be reasonably fluent.

ADP; I'll have to remember that for when my supply runs out.
That will only be in a few years though.

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

When should these caterpillars stop their marching?

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

When they find somewhere to pupate.

Then a bit later on you can have a whole new batch of adults to start the cycle again..........

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

Also, the final exam is a written one - in Portuguese !
However, over 75,s are exempt and can get a certificate without doing the course.

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

At one of my drogerias I can buy insecticides without a license or certificate. I obviously look over 75 and therefore not worth saving.

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

https://www.portugalresident.com/hol...c-caterpillar/

But is the pesticide worse?

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

Type size used to be on the band above the message but it is no longer there so I could not change it for you.

Rosemary

Re: processionary caterpillars
 

Where we are (Netherlands) they tend to nest on the trunk of Oak trees which are plentiful alongside roadways and paths.
Here, the council now has a spray machine on a trailer towed behind a tractor. They treat the trees in the spring as the problem has got so big.
Even so, we get warned each year if they are around.
As the weather warms up the caterpillars become active and could be seen in large squirming groups most often 8 - 10 m up.
The spraying has helped reduce the problem somewhat.
We used to walk our dogs a few years ago and they would be hanging down on silken strands waiting to drop onto your head or around your face..glad we don't see that any more.