Processionary caterpillars will soon be back and with them, the procession of inconvenience for humans, animals (serious oral and respiratory damage) and nature (defoliation and death of the tree), on infested places or even beyond. by migration through the air.
A brief reminder of the known nuisances caused by this undesirable insect on people. The hairs of these caterpillars contain a stinging and allergenic toxin, cause a painful skin and eye rash with severe itching. Medical intervention is often necessary.
The solution lies in weeding, ie the destruction of the processionary caterpillars’ nest, eliminating a significant risk due to the stinging hairs that remain present in this nest even after the caterpillars have left. This also makes it possible to avoid dangerous processions, if the weeding takes place before the period of the processions. Treatments exist with more or less success, white vinegar as a repellent, predation by great tits for which processionary caterpillars constitute a menu of choice.
The solution of Thuringian bacilli
However, the organic treatment of trees by spraying Thuringian bacilli remains the only means that has demonstrated real effectiveness.
The commune plans to treat the trees on the communal paths against processionary caterpillars during the spring. Infested private trees can be taken care of by the company which will be mandated by the municipality, according to a decreasing rate according to the number of parts to be treated.
Citizens interested in the process can register now at the secretariat, preferably by return e-mail, specifying their contact details, the number of trees to be treated and their location (tel. 03 82 82 57 44 or commune-de -puttelange@wanadoo.fr).
