The Park & Park View Protection Association

‍The Park & Park View Protection Association Limited
‍Incorporated in England & Wales as a Private Company Limited by Guarantee.  Company number 7772581E
Registered Office – 29 The Park Great Bookham  Surrey KT23 3LN

Notices

WARNING -- Be aware around oak trees

'Don't touch' reminder over oak processionary - caterpillar nests in London, Surrey and Berkshire (currently in Elmbridge area)

People in parts of London, Surrey and Berkshire are being reminded not to touch the nests which oak processionary caterpillars could now be building in oak trees in these areas.

They are also being advised to protect animals from contact with the nests, and to report sightings to the Forestry Commission. Oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars and their nest are a tree, human and animal health hazard. The caterpillars shed thousands of their tiny hairs in the nests, and these can cane itching skin rashes and eye irritations and, more rarely, breathing difficulties in people and animals. The caterpillars are a tree pest because they eat oak leaves: large numbers can strip oak trees bare, leaving them weakened and vulnerable to other threats.

The caterpillars build their distinctive white, silken, webbing nests and trails in June on the trunks and branches of oak trees anywhere between ground level and many metres high. The nest become discoloured after several days, and harder to see as a result. They can also fall out of trees creating a hazard to curious children and pets, and grazing livestock.

Alison Field, the Forestry Commission's South-East England Director, encouraged local people to help tackle the pest by reporting sightings of the nests and caterpillars, but not to touch or approach them:

"We want to keep our woods, parks and gardens safe for everyone to enjoy, and the public can help us by reporting OPM nests and caterpillars to us so that they can be properly removed.

"However, please don't try to remove the nests yourself. To be as effective and safe as possible this job needs to be timed just right and done by people with the right training and equipment, and the nests must be disposed of properly."

Dr Deborah Turbitt, London Deputy Director of Health Protection for Public Health England, endorsed the 'don't touch' message, adding:

"We strongly advise people not to touch or approach the nest or the caterpillars because of the health risks, but to see a pharmacist for relief from milder skin or eye irritations if they do come into contact."

Consult a GP or NHS111 for more-serious reactions, and contact a vet if pets are badly affected.

Further information can be found here.