CITY MOTH MENACE

This summer saw an outbreak of oak processionary moth outbreak in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. The moth – which originates in the Mediterranean – has recently been extending its range north and is now well established in Holland, Belgium and Germany. The outbreak in West London is thought to stem from eggs hatching on trees imported from Europe.

The British outbreak is causing alarm among foresters and environmental health officers alike. The caterpillars (which begin to emerge at the end of April) are covered with short toxic hairs that can irritate lungs, eyes and skin, occasionally causing severe allergic reactions – so much so that forests are closed during summer and early autumn in parts of Europe. The health issues are a particular problem because it tends to be most abundant on urban trees, along forest edges and in amenity woodlands, where it can easily come into contact with people.