Pine caterpillars
Apr 1st 2010, 1:21 pm
#1
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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.
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.
Apr 1st 2010, 1:30 pm
#2
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Location: Ontinyent - Valencia region (campo)
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Re: 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.
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.
Leave well alone but keep a look out for the long chain of caterpillars as they march to wherever.
Apr 1st 2010, 2:06 pm
#3
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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.
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.
Apr 1st 2010, 2:38 pm
#4
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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,
Perhaps the Spanish ones move out faster,
Apr 1st 2010, 2:52 pm
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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.
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.
Apr 1st 2010, 3:08 pm
#6
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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.
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.
mind you I feel cold when it drops to 12c.
Apr 1st 2010, 3:08 pm
#7
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Re: Pine caterpillars
Take a look here, courtesy of an earlier thread....
http://www.wildsideholidays.com/natu...ife-cycle.html
http://www.wildsideholidays.com/natu...ife-cycle.html
Apr 1st 2010, 3:27 pm
#8
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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.
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.
Apr 1st 2010, 4:42 pm
#9
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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.
Locally, people are not concerned. The farmer next door says they do not harm his sheep, which all have lambs.
Apr 2nd 2010, 7:17 am
#10
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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?
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.
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.
Perhaps it is a lot colder where you are?
Apr 2nd 2010, 7:31 am
#11
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Re: 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.
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.
I think it is a good solution, Lacquer them to death............
.
Apr 2nd 2010, 7:33 am
#12
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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.
Locally, people are not concerned. The farmer next door says they do not harm his sheep, which all have lambs.
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.
Apr 2nd 2010, 7:33 am
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Re: Pine caterpillars
Apr 2nd 2010, 8:12 am
#14
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Re: Pine caterpillars
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
Apr 2nd 2010, 8:22 am
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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
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
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.