The Oak Processionary Moth Problem

Can Oak Processionary Moths Disturb Tree Work?

The larvae of oak processionary moths (OPM) are a hazardous pest that affect oak trees, animals and even humans. They were first identified in the UK in 2005 and known only to be prevalent in London and the surrounding areas. The government introduced a programme in 2012 to contain the moths and minimise their size, spread and impact, but emerging evidence indicates that the pests may have expanded to regions further across the UK.

Oak processionary moth larvae can cause significant damage to your oak trees and are even hazardous to human health. It’s crucial that you know how to identify OPM and who to call to control them. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about OPM and their larvae.

How to identify oak processionary moths

The moths themselves are brown in appearance with a wingspan of 25-35mm. They emerge from pupae in summer and lay eggs that hatch between March and late April. It is from these eggs that the caterpillars emerge.

The caterpillars have a grey body, dark head and are covered in distinctive white hairs. They spend most of their time in their teardrop-shaped nest, only leaving to feed on foliage. When the caterpillars leave their nest they leave a silky trail of pheromones behind them. They also construct silky white web nests on branches and trunks. They are most easily recognised by their distinctive habit of moving around in nose-to-tail processions.

The caterpillar is known to be hazardous to human and animal health. The white hairs that cover its dark body are toxic and must not be touched. Many of these hairs can be found in their nests and so these should be avoided too.

What do oak processionary moths do to trees?

The caterpillars of OPM feed on the leaves of various species of oak trees. The severe loss of foliage leaves the tree vulnerable to other pests and diseases.

How are they a threat to humans and animals?

The hairs of the caterpillars contain a protein called thaumetopoea, which can irritate the skin and sinuses of people and animals. 

Symptoms include:

  • Eye irritation
  • Itchy skin rashes
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Lesions

Risk of exposure is highest in May and June. Among the groups most vulnerable to the health hazards are:

  • Curious children
  • Pets
  • People who work or spend time close to oak trees
  • Grazing livestock and wild animals

How do I get rid of them?

If you identify OPM, their larvae or the nest, do not approach them. Instead, contact a pest control specialist who understands the regulations applying to the handling of OPM-affected material. OPM is regulated as a quarantine pest and to protect the health and safety of our staff, Artemis Tree Services cannot carry out any work on trees with an OPM infestation.

A specialist will be able to employ the most suitable solution to eliminate the pests and keep you and your family safe. Possible remedies include spraying insecticide on the infested area or carefully removing the nest. Dealing with an OPM larvae infestation requires specialist equipment and training, so please do not attempt it yourself.

What should I do afterwards?

Once the OPM and larvae have been effectively eliminated, you might be left with a damaged and unattractive tree. That’s where we come in. 

Artemis Tree Services is an experienced tree surgeon who can help restore your tree back to good health. We offer various services to improve the health and appearance of your tree, including tree pruning, tree maintenance, crown reductions and more. Serving domestic customers and local authorities throughout North London, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Artemis tree Services will be there to take care of your trees.

Contact our team today for more information.

Top

This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and deliver personalised ads. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

More Information Accept All Cookies

5/ 5

Verified customer feedback

5 rating based on

586 reviews

Excellent

Michael Quy

A prompt professional team. I have used Artemis before and recommend them highly....

1 day ago

Gordon Trievnor

Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Arte... Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Artemis. Highly recommended.

2 weeks ago

Keith

Very efficient customer service. Did the job when they said they would. Met all our expectations. Would recommend....

1 month ago

Francis Xavier Emmanuel

This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see th... This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see the two young lads genuinely enjoying their work! 57 Bow Lane, Finchley, N12 0JL.

1 month ago

Enthusiastic of Eastcote

My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and i... My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and industrious manner. These young men were friendly and helpful, completing the job to our exact requirements, and tidying up thoroughly afterwards. In addition, they approached their work in full compliance with health and safety regulations. All in all, they were splendid ambassadors for their company!

2 months ago

Mrs S. Beattie

This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the pri... This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the price is fair. I wouldn't use anyone else.

2 months ago

Anonymous

We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly pr... We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly priced. If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable tree services look no further!

2 months ago

Derek Welch, Chalfont St Peter

Very professional, work hard, friendly and cooperative. Very highly recommended - they know what they are doing!...

2 months ago

Peter

Always friendly helpful staff, very knowledgable, prune/trim trees very well leaving a good shape and tidy up afterwards....

3 months ago

M Pearce

Polite, efficient, helpful - highly reccomended...

4 months ago

Brian (Pinner)

Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.... Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.

4 months ago

Michelle Hyer

Excellent service, tidy, efficient, on-time and someone at the end of the phone for queries! I would highly recemmend x...

5 months ago

Barbara M Grant, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis con... Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis continues to uphold and deliver the professional status of this important skill. They offer a a high quality service from the very first contact through to delivery of a clean and crafted conclusion. I have no hesitation in recommending their outstanding service. Many thanks to all involved.

6 months ago

Blake Lewis

The contractors that came to prune my tree were very efficient, polite and effective and I would have no hesitation in recommending Artemis to anyone.... The contractors that came to prune my tree were very efficient, polite and effective and I would have no hesitation in recommending Artemis to anyone.

6 months ago

Jo

Just to say thank you for carrying out the work so professionally. The team were efficient, they took great care to ensure nothing got damaged, they were very friendly and informative and left the ar... Just to say thank you for carrying out the work so professionally. The team were efficient, they took great care to ensure nothing got damaged, they were very friendly and informative and left the area tidy. Work carried out: Removal of deadwood

8 months ago

Savas Sivetidis

Good service all round, polite and efficient....

9 months ago

Declan McManus

Efficient, tidy and courteous service - I have used Artemis on a number of occasions and cannot think of any reason to change....

10 months ago

Gaby

Excellent service with polite considerate operators...

10 months ago

Anonymous

very professional, knowledgeable company. where able to provide advice and options as to needed to be done. Clean, tidy and polite...

10 months ago

John

Very professional We have used them a few times and would not go anywhere else...

10 months ago

Francis Emmanuel

This was the second time we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. This time it was to fell and remove a mature sycamore. The team were excellent throughout - from initial enquiries, advice with ... This was the second time we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. This time it was to fell and remove a mature sycamore. The team were excellent throughout - from initial enquiries, advice with what was suitable, scheduling of the work, the tree work itself, the disposal of the felled tree and invoicing. Very pleasant, smart, tidy and courteous.

10 months ago