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The Division of Agriculture, Meals and the Marine confirmed earlier this week that colonies of the invasive Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) had been found on 4 oak timber in a Dublin housing property. The caterpillars and the timber have been destroyed in an try and eradicate the pest earlier than it turns into established. Intensive surveying of the encircling space for additional proof of the moth are ongoing.

Eire has Protected Zone standing for the species beneath EU Plant Well being laws, and based on Teagasc, is the final European state to be thought-about freed from the Oak Processionary Moth. The species was first recorded within the UK in Southeast England in 2006, and regardless of in depth makes an attempt to eradicate it, has since turn out to be established.

Unsurprisingly, Oak timber (Quercus sp.), that are discovered all through Eire, are the principle host species for the Oak Processionary Moth, however in areas the place Oak is scarce the caterpillars have been recognized to feed on different species resembling Birch, Hornbeam, Hawthorn, Hazel and Beech. In accordance with the Division it’s presently unsure whether or not Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars can survive to finish their transformation into grownup moths when feeding on species apart from Oak.

In addition to inflicting in depth harm to native Oak timber by way of extreme defoliation, leaving timber weakened and susceptible to secondary an infection, the caterpillars additionally pose a threat to the well being of people, pets and livestock. If disturbed the caterpillars can launch irritating hairs that set off a extreme allergic response, inflicting pores and skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory issue.

The Oak Processionary Moth overwinters as eggs, rising the next spring, and going by way of 6 larval phases earlier than pupating and rising as grownup moths from July to September.

The video beneath from the UK Forestry Fee explains what to search for and find out how to establish Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars.

You may view the Division of Agriculture, Meals and the Marine’s Pest Reality Sheet for the Oak Processionary Moth right here.

What to do in the event you assume you’ve noticed the Oak Processionary Moth

Suspected sightings in Eire ought to be handled with excessive warning and notified instantly to the Division of Agriculture, Meals and the Marine along with your contact particulars and geolocation of the sighting by emailing plantandpests@agriculture.gov.ie or by phone 01-505 8885.

The Dos and Don’ts in the event you discover a colony of Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars

Don’t

• contact or strategy nests or caterpillars
• let kids contact or strategy nests or caterpillars
• let animals contact or strategy nests or caterpillars
• attempt eradicating nests or caterpillars your self

Do

• warn kids to not contact or strategy the nests or caterpillars
• search medical recommendation in the event you assume you or somebody you take care of has been critically affected
• see a vet in the event you assume your pet or livestock has been critically affected

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