Municipality starts early to combat oak processionary caterpillars

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The municipality will start combating the oak processionary caterpillar in the coming period. “Because the oak processionary caterpillar is becoming increasingly common in Capelle, we are starting early,” the municipality said.

The oak processionary caterpillar is the caterpillar of a moth. In the months of May, June and July, these hairy caterpillars can be found on many oak trees throughout the Netherlands. The small hairs on the caterpillar cause complaints such as itching, rash, and irritation to the eyes or respiratory tract.

The municipality announces that it combats the oak processionary caterpillar every year, because it is a recurring problem. The caterpillar is becoming increasingly common, forcing the municipality to take action more quickly. “Because the oak processionary caterpillar is becoming increasingly common in Capelle, we are starting control at an early stage.”

Natural enemies

The municipality combats the oak processionary caterpillar with another animal. “Using a special vehicle, the caterpillar’s natural enemies, tiny nematodes, are sprayed into the trees with a nebulizer. These nematodes seek out the caterpillars and eliminate them.”

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There are several advantages of this method of control. It can be used before the caterpillar develops the stinging hairs, but the nematodes are also harmless to people, plants and animals.

Possible brief inconvenience

The municipality has indicated that it will mainly be working on combating the disease in the evenings and nights in the coming weeks, mainly on trees along main roads. Although the municipality tries to prevent nuisance, they say they cannot prevent this completely: “When the vehicle is working at your home, you may experience brief nuisance from noise and light from the vehicle.”

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