Oak Processionary Moth - Thaumetopoea processionea

The Oak Processionary Moth causes a nuisance where ever it is.

Oak Processionary Moth larvae from Google Images 

Are you ready for the hairy little blighters?

If you have an Oak tree in your garden or have a favorite tree in a local park or green space, it could be at risk from this invasive species.

Millions are spent each year in an effort to lessen the risk........



But it's spreading

Fortunately I have never came across them, never seen a stand of Oak decimated by them.  Below are some links, pictures, further information and some behind the scene shots of Bartletts carrying out a demonstration at Kew.

Are all Oak trees susceptible?  NO

Information gathered states that English Oak, Turkey Oak and Sessile Oak are all affected.  If these were the only trees that are affected, keeping track of the spread would be a much simpler task.  Unfortunately the leaves of several other species can also come under attack.  such as:- Beech, Birch, Hazel, Hornbeam and Sweet Chestnut.

Fagaceae Genera Castanea - Chestnuts Castanopsis Chrysolepis - Golden chinkapin Colombobalanus Fagus - Beeches Formanodendron Lithocarpus - Stone oaks Quercus - Oaks Trigonobalan

Betulaceae Genera Alnus - Alder Betula - Birch Carpinus - Hornbeam Corylus - Hazel Ostrya - Hop-hornbeam Ostryopsis - Hazel-hornbeam

 

LTOA OPM Download Page



Survey and intervention in relation to different phases of the oak processionary moth life cycle.

Bartlett Tree research Laboratories Technical Report

Tree Pest Advisory note