Processionary caterpillars in Spain
Processionary caterpillars were probably the insects that shocked us the most when we moved to Spain. These creepy-crawlies can cause horrific damage to people and animals… even by touch.
Processionary caterpillars (Latin name thaumetopoea pityocampa)
Unlike the cute fluffy critters that we were used to back in the UK, these caterpillars are simply nasty. Their fine hairs can use irritation, rash and pain and in some cases have resulted in dogs needing their tongues fully or partially removed.
Processionary caterpillars’ nest in Almería, Spain. Image ©Alan Gandy. Copyright notice.The nests are usually seen in the first three months of the year, often in pine trees. The caterpillars themselves are seen in lines (hence the name “processionary”) wandering from place to place.
Do NOT touch these nasties. If you see them while out and about, walk away in the opposite direction and keep your pets well away from them.
If you have them on your property, be very careful if you are trying to remove them yourself. Do not sweep them up – this only causes the hairs to go airborne. If they are in a tree, then first spray them with hairspray to limit the hair flying. Then cover with a plastic bag and securing it to the branch. Remove the branch and burn the lot. Obviously be careful of any fire in the campo. If in doubt, get a local pest controller to come and do it for you. Better to be safe than sorry.
If the caterpillars are on the ground – again spray them with hairspray, and then lighter fluid. Then set fire to them. Once again, be very mindful of forest fires. A coupe of wayward sparks can soon cause irreparable damage.
If your pet has been anywhere near them and shows ANY signs of irritation – get them to a vet as fast as possible. If it is you or your children, gain medical advice as soon as you can.
Elle Draper
Elle, along with Alan, is the owner of Spain Buddy and the busy web design business - Gandy-Draper. Born a "Norverner", she then spent most of her life "Dann Saff" before moving to Spain in 2006. Elle's loves are Alan, the internet, their three bouncing dogs, good food, and dry white wine - although not necessarily in that order.
January 10, 2017 @ 8:27 am
Be vigilant out walking, look at every pine tree, nests look like candy floss on south facing branches. Take a can of max strength insecticide with you, spray thoroughly every nest you see. Forget hairspray and burning, it could cause a fire, and the nests are not particularly flammable, so caterpillars may not be destroyed ( lived here with 4 weimaraners) insecticide has killed 100% of the nests I’ve sprayed
May 1, 2017 @ 12:20 pm
Agree with your comment. We typically have 30 or 40 nests in the pine trees on our finca. Most nests are too high to reach and burn. So I also use an insectiside, Imidacloprid obtained from our local acricultural supplier. I use a backpack spray and can reach up about 4 metres. I spray the nests and surrounding needles.
I also paint the trunks of the pine trees with sticky black tar, the type used in the UK to stop insects climbing up fruit trees. So far I think I have killed the caterpillars before they descend the trees.
We have two dogs so it is important to protect them. I find the nests start appearing as early as October.
January 10, 2017 @ 9:38 am
I have never seen them in moraira
January 10, 2017 @ 11:48 am
They tend to gather in pine trees. Do you have pines there Ian?
January 20, 2017 @ 8:53 pm
Experienced the caterpillars in the pine tree park in Calahonda as well as along the wooden walkway in Cabopino last year from February onwards. After finding that dogs weren’t officially allowed on the beaches, we struggled to find safe places to walk our dog.
January 26, 2017 @ 10:15 am
We have seen them in Ávila.
November 17, 2020 @ 12:27 pm
I can see these caterpillars around this time of the year too (November-December), much earlier than they normally come.
I know someone whose dog took one in the mouth and the tongue had to be amputated of the poor thing. Very dangerous to pets, be careful.