A warning has been issued to people in a town where trees have been infested with a moth classed as a threat to human health. The oak processionary moth, which is an insect pest of oak trees and poses risks to both plant and human health, has been discovered in Long Eaton.
Action is now being taken by the Government and other agencies to eradicate the problem, as reported by Derbyshire Live. The trees are currently being treated and extensive surveillance work is ongoing to further investigate the findings and to direct appropriate control measures to prevent their potential spread.
The moth is more usually found in London and its neighbouring counties, so an investigation is underway to identify the source of the outbreak. This will include eradicating the pest from the area and extensively monitoring sites in the surrounding area through ground surveys and pheromone trapping.
Is the government doing enough to help with the cost of living? Let us know
Members of the public in Long Eaton and surrounding areas have been urged to be especially vigilant and check for any signs of their own oak trees being infested, including those recently planted. The caterpillars of the moth, which are visible until the end of July, have black heads and grey bodies covered in long white hairs, and they usually move nose-to-tail in a procession.
Their nests are typically dome or teardrop-shaped, averaging the size of a tennis ball. They are white when fresh, but soon become discoloured and brown.
Caterpillars feed on the leaves of several species of oak trees, causing them to lose their leaves and negatively impact their growth. It can cause itchy rashes and eye and throat infections when touched by members of the public.
Nicola Spence, UK chief plant health officer, said: "Oak processionary moth is an insect pest of oak trees and poses a threat to both plant and human health. We are taking swift and effective action to treat the infested trees and eradicate the pest from this area, and prevent further spread in the surrounding area.
"The Government takes the management of the moth very seriously and has a robust programme in place to reduce the level of pest prevalence and protect oak resource, whilst supporting landowners to manage the risks associated with the moth in the areas where it has been identified."
Anyone spotting the moth should report it, with photos, on the TreeAlert portal. Alternatively, you can email opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk or call 0300 067 4442. Owners and managers of oak trees can support the fight in tackling this pest by giving access to Forestry Commission surveyors to assess whether their trees are infested. The caterpillars and nests should not be touched under any circumstances.
Oak processionary moth is native to southern Europe. It was first detected in London in 2006 and has since established in London and some surrounding counties, with the rest of the country designated a pest free area until now.
