Processionary Caterpillar Nests

The pine trees in the area have the fluffy white nests of the Processionary Caterpillars as they reach their final stages of development and prepare to move down the trees to bury themselves in the ground before the pupa form a cocoon and become moths. These caterpillars on the move are covered in hairs that can cause severe allergic reactions - BEWARE! Even getting a single caterpillar on an item of clothing can cause itching and inflammation - do not be tempted to touch or pick up without protection eg gloves, sleeves, and ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards in case any trace is later transferred to a very sensitive part of the body such as the eyes!

The caterpillars on the move will be seen as a long chain as they give out pheromones and so follow each other head to toe - if you sweep up the animals with a broom, the hairs will remain on the brushes - so be careful as these could then be deposited elsewhere - if you enjoy walking barefoot then you may wonder why the sole of your foot is itching! Disposal of the caterpillars is not easy either - on no account should they be burned as the risk of inhalation of the toxins is particularly dangerous.