Oak Processionary Moth
A small number of oak processionary moth nests have been identified in Richmond Park. Working with our partners, and following best practice, The Royal Parks is taking appropriate action to help eradicate the moth.
Nests will be removed at the end of June and beginning of July, when the caterpillars have retreated into their nests to pupate. Nest removal will be carried out by specially trained and equipped operators.
The moth first appeared in the UK in 2006 and a number of nest sites have now been identified in the west London area.
Health advice
The caterpillars shed toxic hairs but contact with the hairs can affect people in different ways, and not everyone reacts to them. The most common problem is an itchy rash, which is unpleasant but not dangerous. People may also experience skin or eye irritations.
However, occasionally people can develop breathing problems from inhaling the toxin, and anyone with breathing problems should seek immediate medical attention by calling an ambulance or being taken to an Accident and Emergency Department.
Otherwise, anyone concerned about their symptoms should contact NHS Direct (0845 4647; www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) or their local family doctor for further advice.
About Oak processionary moth
Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) gets its name from the caterpillars' habit of moving about in long, nose-to-tail processions. It is a native of central southern Europe, but over the past 15 to 20 years breeding populations have become established as far north as The Netherlands, and individuals have been seen in southern Sweden. It is thought possible that it is surviving further north as a result of climate change leading to milder winters and fewer and less-severe late spring frosts which would kill the emerging caterpillars. The west London outbreak is almost certainly the result of trees infested with eggs being imported from the Continent for landscaping purposes.
Nest removal
Nests are usually dealt with by being carefully removed from the trees into sealed bags, which are then incinerated. Residual hairs on the tree trunks are burned off with a blow-lamp to reduce the on-going risk of exposure.
Effect on woodlands
Oak processionary moth will attack a wide range of species of oak trees and oak hybrids. It will also attack other broadleaved trees, such as hornbeam, hazel, beech, sweet chestnut, birch and woody plants, although usually only where these are standing close to severely defoliated oak trees. It does not necessarily kill trees, but it would add another stress to Britain's oaks, which in some areas are already under stress from other conditions, so it makes sense to try to prevent its spread while this is still possible.
Further information
Further information, including pictures and a tree pest advisory note, is available from www.forestresearch.gov.uk/oakprocessionarymoth and www.forestry.gov.uk/planthealth. Further public health information and frequently asked questions are available from the Health Protection Agency website www.hpa.org.uk (follow the "Topics A-Z" link) and from NHS Direct, 0845 4647, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
Help us eradicate this pest
Sightings anywhere can be reported to the Forestry Commission's Forest Research agency by telephoning 01420 22255 or by e-mail to christine.tilbury@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.
If you note sightings in the Park, please contact the park office, 020
8948 3209; richmond@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk.
Otherwise, sightings can be reported to the relevant Council as follows:
