Oak processionary moth

[dig-dug-dan]

Apologies if I've misspelt the above

 

Customer has had a letter from the fotestry commission, saying that the OPM. Has been seen in the area and he has to get his oak tree sprayed. 

They are offering to do it free, but will this offer expire and does he have to have it done or can he tell them to get stuffed?

It's in a private garden and covered by a tpo

[Mark Bolam]

Why on earth would you not get it sprayed?

[David Humphries]

  On 13/02/2024 at 17:09, Mark Bolam said:

Why on earth would you not get it sprayed?

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One reason is that spraying will kill indigenous Lepidoptera (butterflies/moths) that specifically associate with oak. 

[Mark Bolam]

Of course, but if the oak dies they’ll cop it anyway won’t they?

 

I know they could relocate, but if OPM really gets a grip they won’t have anywhere to relocate to?

[David Humphries]

  On 13/02/2024 at 20:57, Mark Bolam said:

Of course, but if the oak dies they’ll cop it anyway won’t they?

 

I know they could relocate, but if OPM really gets a grip they won’t have anywhere to relocate to?

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In my experience Mark, managing it in a population of 7,000-10,000 oak trees in north London where we have had the ‘pest’ for the last 9 years, OPM doesn’t kill (healthy) oak trees. 

 

Birds, bats and specialist tachinid flies are naturally controlling the ‘pest’ 

 

They caterpillars do ofcourse cause rashes, but mostly to the people who are surveying the trees and removing the nests. 

 

 

[Mick Dempsey]

Interesting.

[Stere]

I seems to be spreading on the map every yr so id guess one day will be UK wide?

 

Spraying is not working or is it worthwhile to try & slow it down?

[Mick Dempsey]

  On 14/02/2024 at 09:39, Stere said:

I seems to be spreading on the map every yr so id guess one day will be UK wide?

 

Spraying is not working or is it worthwhile to try & slow it down?

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It seems not.