More often than not you'll get a positive ID on most photos fairly quickly. Oak processionary moths (OPM), which are in their larval stage, have been spotted across the south-east of England and in the capital. People in London and the South East of England are being reminded to report sightings of Oak Processionary Moth ( OPM) caterpillars, which could be damaging oak trees in their area. The characteristically hairy caterpillars also feed on the foliage of hornbeam, hazel, beech, sweet chestnut, and birch. Nests can be removed, or the caterpillars sprayed with pesticides soon after they hatch. The Oak Processionary Moth (OPM), a pest which lives on Oak trees, has been found in Bushey Hall Golf Club, the Meadow Park area in Borehamwood, Parkfield in Potters Bar and a private woodland in Ridge. While carrying out routine targeted inspections of oak trees in June 2019, a Government plant health inspector noticed something amiss – recently planted trees imported from the Netherlands were infested with oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars. The caterpillars (larvae) of oak processionary moth (OPM) are pests of oak trees, and a hazard to human and animal health. Oak Processionary Moth was first identified in … Symptoms/identification. If you have, or suspect you may have, oak processionary moth in your garden, please do not touch or approach the nests or caterpillars. INTRODUCTION. If they are on a council-owned tree , report it to us on 01895 556000 or email trees@hillingdon.gov.uk If they are on a privately owned tree , contact the Forestry Commission on 0300 067 4442 or email opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk If you find a nest or procession of caterpillars, please contact us for advice and a quote for removal. Both the English and scientific names refer to the behaviour of the larvae, whose habit of forming a long nose-to-tail procession is quite peculiar. All rights reserved. The remainder of the United Kingdom (UK), during the transition period, continues to be designated a Protected Zone (PZ) with special restrictions on movements of oak plants to minimise the risk of introducing this pest to new areas. Although a native of southern Europe, the thermophilic oak processionary moth (OPM, Thaumetopoea processionea) is expanding its prevalence to encompass Central and Northern Europe.Roughly, over the past decade, the moth’s range has spread northwards and the species has now became established in the warmer regions of Northern France, the Netherlands, the UK, and Germany. If you think you have spotted OPM you should firstly report any sightings to the Forestry Commission using their Tree Alert tool available from www.forestry.gov.uk/treealert or by email to opm@forestry.gsi.gov.uk. It was first identified at a private development in the borough in 2006 and is now established in south and south west London. Each caterpillar has thousands of tiny hairs containing a toxic compound. It is a pest species, in Europe feeding in large numbers on oak (Quercus), causing severe defoliation of oak and creating a health hazard. Oak processionary moth has caterpillars that are covered in irritant (urticating) hairs that can pose a health risk to humans and animals. The oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a pest that has been found in Surrey in 2017-18. The Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) was now entered the UK. report any sightings to the Forestry Commission using their Tree Alert tool available from www.forestry.gov.uk/treealert. In July 2019, the plant health service intercepted around 60 cases of oak processionary moth on recently planted trees in the Protected Zone imported from Europe… A procession of OPM caterpillars on the trunk of an oak tree. The oak processionary moth life cycle includes egg, larval, and moth stages. The UKMoths Facebook Page is a great place to post your identification queries. They can then keep track of the outbreak. Given the health risks, the Forestry Commission advises contacting a pest management expert to ensure safe removal. Please note : The Forestry Commission are responsible for dealing with this pest and all sightings should be reported to them . Hairy caterpillars in the UK. Contact with these hairs can result in rashes, conjunctivitis, and breathing difficulties for people and animals. A professional arborist will know what to look for, including the hairy caterpillars along with the tell-tale signs of plaques on a tree's branches. These include measures such as the spraying of all oak trees in the capital, and also physical inspection of trees. OPM caterpillars have a negative impact on tree health, and are harmful to humans and animals. Gristwood and Toms are Tree Surgeons and Arborists with specialist knowledge in the removal of the oak processionary moth Founded in 1974, Gristwood and Toms, has grown into one of the largest and best … Over the last few years, our climate had become increasingly warm and dry, causing most larvae to hatch from their eggs. Be careful as contact with them can cause itchy rashes, eye irritations and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties in people and pets. Enter just part of the name below. Oak processionary moth caterpillars travel in nose to tail processions. Oak Processionary Moth Treatment. In fact, the government has spent more than £40 million attempting to eradicate this nuisance. The oak processionary moth is a species of moth with caterpillars that nest on oak trees. Minute, severely urticating hairs on the dorsum of the larger larvae, can cause persistent or severe (occasionally life-threatening) … Due to trade in live plants, oak processionary moth has become established as far north as the Netherlands and northern Germany. What is oak processionary moth? It is important not to confuse this species with other, similar hairy caterpillars. © 2020 Ian Kimber/UKMoths. The outbreak was contained within London for some years however, they are now moving remorselessly outwards into the Home Counties. Oak Processionary Moth detailed ID information. The larva of oak processionary moths have been spotted across the south-east of England. In view of the rarity of this moth in our area, please provide a photograph and retain the specimen in case it is required by the County Recorder. Health risk The caterpillar of this moth emerges in April every year and develops thousands of urticating (irritating) However, neither approach is 100% effective. image caption The caterpillars turn into pupae, then moths in late July A finding of oak processionary moth pest (OPM) has been confirmed in Wales after … Distribution/spread. (Picture: Henry Kuppen) Single- and multi-file processions, clusters and single OPM caterpillars on the trunk of an oak tree. Regular monitoring of oak trees is recommended so that caterpillars can be identified early to prevent a full-blown infestation. Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea, OPM) is a native of southern Europe accidentally introduced into Britain in 2005 due to the trade of live plants. Oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars have hairs containing a substance that irritates a dog’s eyes and throat; They are usually seen from May to July and crawl around in processionary lines, nose-to-tail; Generally found in the south east of England in the UK, but could be spreading Due to trade in live plants, oak processionary moth has become established as far north as the Netherlands and northern Germany. FAQ – Oak processionary moth interceptions and strengthened national measures July 2019 CURRENT SITUATION What is the current situation? The oak processionary caterpillar is originally a southern European species but has been spreading northwards due to climate change. To minimise health risks: Do not touch or approach oak processionary moth caterpillars or their nests. Concise Guide to the Moths of Great Britain... Colour Identification Guide to Caterpillars. See 'Distribution' below for further details. Martin Townsend and Paul Waring (Illustrated by Richard Lewington), Barry Goater (Illustrated by Geoffrey Senior and Robert Dyke), David Newland, Robert Still and Andy Swash, http://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/fr/INFD-6URJCF. Presence of OPM caterpillars has already been confirmed in West and Southwest London with the pest spreading steadily to new areas. They need to be removed by an Arborist who has had the correct training and has the necessary equipment require. They occur incidentally almost everywhere in the UK on many types of trees and shrubs. Oak Processionary Moth - New National Measures ; Defra has introduced legislation, ... OPM is an established pest in London and surrounding areas, but the majority of the UK is designated a Protected Zone and we have strengthened protection to mitigate the risk of introducing OPM into the UK … Looking for a specific moth species? The oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a pest that was introduced into the UK upon imported oak trees. Oak Processionary (Thaumetopoea processionea) - The Moths of Norfolk. Brown Tailed Moth caterpillars also have stinging hairs that, just like the Oak Processionary caterpillar, can produce negative health effects for humans and animals. Careful monitoring of OPM spread is ongoing, but unfortunately all evidence indicates that this pest is slowly spreading beyond the London area. Secondly, please do not try to remove the caterpillars or nests yourself. Species likely to be confused with OPM poster. What is the oak processionary moth? UKMoths is built, run and maintained by Ian Kimber, with thanks to the many kind contributors who provide photos and information. In association with the Norfolk Moth Survey. It gets its name from the distinctive processing behaviour of the caterpillars because they tend to move in nose-to-tail lines. Image: Henry Kuppen/ Forestry Commission. A variety of treatments are available to address affected trees. The nests must also be disposed of properly to avoid the pest spreading. The long white hairs and black head of oak processionary caterpillars look similar to those of the harmless buff-tip moth (Phalera bucephala).Buff-tip caterpillars can be distinguished by a yellowish background, and a pattern of square or rectangular black spots on the back. “Unfortunately, Oak Processionary Moths have been sighted in a few Hertsmere parks, so our message is to be vigilant, especially with young children who may be exploring trees this summer. … Oak processionary moth ( Thaumetopoea processionea ), also known as OPM, is a defoliating pest of many oak species including English, Sessile, and Turkey oaks ( Quercus robur, Q.petraea, and Q.cerris ). For more info, visit Bartlett Tree Experts' Oak Processionary Moth pest detail page. The caterpillars are larvae of night-flying moths that lay eggs in clusters of 250 or more. If you see any oak processionary moths or caterpillars you should report them immediately. Such processions are most likely to be seen close to oak trees. Beyond the damage to trees, infestations are particularly concerning as these caterpillars pose a risk to human health. It was first introduced to Britain in 2005 accidentally. The oak processionary moth is a pest that has established itself in oak trees across Greater London, areas of south east England, East Anglia and Birmingham. It lives on oak trees and poses a risk to human and animal health. Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) is a recent introduction into the UK. Youtube videos on Oak Processionary Moth. The UK oak processionary moth then spread to all parts of London and is a major problem today. The Oak processionary moth (OPM) is a risk to human halth and a major defoliator of oak in Europe.