Pine caterpillars
 

Why does something like this always happen on a holiday?

Found a nest 20/25 feet up a tall tree in the garden. The nest is at the end of a long thin branch, and we are told in this area the council will do nothing.

We have two small dogs and a cat. Shops are closed. Any ideas. We do not have a blowtorch, nor a ladder suitable for getting to them. We have one large can hairspray.

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

At this time of year they will all (probably) have 'fled the nest'.

Leave well alone but keep a look out for the long chain of caterpillars as they march to wherever.

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

[QUOTE=snikpoh;8465526]At this time of year they will all (probably) have 'fled the nest'.

No they haven't! We cut off about 20 of these nests, with a 6 metre-long bill-hook (if that's the right word, I only know the French word) last week and they were obviously inhabited. They were duly burnt. We wore gloves, but still managed to get itchy spots on the face and neck.
Unfortunately they seem to get more intelligent every year and form the nests higher and higher and we've can't cut any more off!
The caterpillars are dangerous for curious pets - our neighbour's Scottish terrier tried tasting one and nearly died.:(

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

I saw a line of them here about 2 months ago and killed them and blasted the nest out the tree with a hose a couple of weeks ago.
Perhaps the Spanish ones move out faster, :rofl:

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

Ultimate solution,...take down the tree,....if safe to do so.
Had the same problem for several years,...they always came back,...each year a little higher up,....only one thing for it in the end.

Added bonus,... lots of firewood.
Long range forecast is for temps as low as minus 20,..next Winter.;)

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

Lowest it`s been here is 4c. :thumbup: mind you I feel cold when it drops to 12c.

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

Take a look here, courtesy of an earlier thread....


http://www.wildsideholidays.com/natu...ife-cycle.html

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

Please take care of your animals.

Ive never seen these creatures but we live around loads of pine trees and I am always worried about them.

The consequences for animals can be horrible.Amputated tongues etc.

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

There were two small rows marching across the lawn this morning. Burnt them and have covered the remains with slate slabs. Do they all leave at once? Or do I have to watch out for the next few days?

Locally, people are not concerned. The farmer next door says they do not harm his sheep, which all have lambs.

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

[QUOTE=dmu;8465609]OK, OK, in this area they have all gone from the nests.

Perhaps it is a lot colder where you are?

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

Hair we go,:ohmy: I think it is a good solution, Lacquer them to death............:eek:.

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

According to that link,burning is not recommended as the folicles become airborne.
Been quite a lot of nests in my area,but all small ones.
Could be their numbers developing have been limited by the weather.
Apparentlythey can stand a fair bit frost and snow but are vunerable to long spells of heavy rain.

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

[QUOTE=snikpoh;8467255]
Probably. In the Languedoc, with Arctic cold spells all winter. I was hoping the minus temperatures would kill them off, but their nests must have been quite cosy.
Horrible creatures...:curse:

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

We are in Galicia. Just met a bloke in the village called Noah! I seriously doubt rain can do them any harm. It rains so much here even the chickens can swim.

But seriously, does anyone know if they leave the nest all at once or does it take days and weeks? We saw two small columns about a dozen or so in each yesterday lunchtime. Not seen any since

Re: Pine caterpillars
 

I am from Galicia, so you know Noah, then do you?

I dont bother with him myself because he is always in " a nark".


Forgive me, but I could not help myself.