Processional caterpillars
#1
Processional caterpillars
Those of you who are planning to move over to Spain with pets beware of the processional caterpillars HERE We have seen quite a lot of them whilst out walking recently and they are dangerous to people and pets. A neighbour had to have his dog put to sleep after some got into it's mouth and ate it's tongue. Nothing could be done to save the poor thing.
#2
Re: Processional caterpillars
Those of you who are planning to move over to Spain with pets beware of the processional caterpillars HERE We have seen quite a lot of them whilst out walking recently and they are dangerous to people and pets. A neighbour had to have his dog put to sleep after some got into it's mouth and ate it's tongue. Nothing could be done to save the poor thing.
#3
barxeta bliss,ohhhh
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: barxeta
Posts: 308
Re: Processional caterpillars
Blimey know what you mean. I had a week in Barxeta 2 weeks ago and because the house is near loads of pine trees we were inundated with them. I would go over to my car in our grounds and there would be a 6foot line of them so out would come the petrol and i would have to set them alight then before I was finished there would be another lot. I have never seen so many of the nests as i have done this year, I heard it was because of the mild winter. Once i set light to them I would get them on my spade and chuck them over the fence. I actually came up in an awful rash that was all up my neck and arms and I think it was because of the hairs of the blinkin things get airborne.... mmm, think thats the reason
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Costa de la Luz
Posts: 173
Re: Processional caterpillars
We keep a muzzle on our dog when walking him, as we know so many people whose dogs have died due to this problem.
And yes, burning them will certainly release the hairs into the air. The best way to get rid of them is to spray with hairspray first (yes, really) this stops most of the hairs being released into the air.
And yes, burning them will certainly release the hairs into the air. The best way to get rid of them is to spray with hairspray first (yes, really) this stops most of the hairs being released into the air.
#5
Banned
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 157
Re: Processional caterpillars
In many municipalities there is a legal obligation to spray any pine trees within your grounds annually to stop this nasty pest (thaumetopoea pityocampa). By the way they didn't eat the dog's tongue, it's the other way around, the dog ate them and unfortunately for it they are covered in hairs which contain a powerful antigen which provokes a severe allergic response in many animals as well as in humans.
#8
Re: Processional caterpillars
In many municipalities there is a legal obligation to spray any pine trees within your grounds annually to stop this nasty pest (thaumetopoea pityocampa). By the way they didn't eat the dog's tongue, it's the other way around, the dog ate them and unfortunately for it they are covered in hairs which contain a powerful antigen which provokes a severe allergic response in many animals as well as in humans.
Horrid way to die, the dogs mouth went black and he couldn't even take any water. The vet couldn't save him Sweet little thing he was, such a happy little soul
Be extra vigilant everyone with pets.
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2007
Location: ayamonte spain
Posts: 210
Re: Processional caterpillars
Yes we were out walking in the campo around ayamonte on sunday and saw these caterpillars. Our friend quickly explained not to touch them as her brother in law had a bad reaction from them the previous week. All his face swelled up like a horror story!!
Sue
Sue
#10
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,281
Re: Processional caterpillars
Does anyone know how long they are around for, a week, month etc?
#14
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: EspaƱa
Posts: 728
Re: Processional caterpillars
And they look really horrible close up... When I first saw a line a couple of metres long marching down a wall and across the pavement in front of me I had no intention of going anywhere near them. Too busy running away screaming...