Ineco Srl performs specific operations for processionary caterpillar in Piemonte, Lombardia, Veneto and throughout North and Central Italy.
To get rid of this annoying parasite the Ineco experts adopt the mechanical removal of their nests and larvae. Also specific products are used to eliminate alive specimens.
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A accurate and effective pest control
We even we pay close attention to the dead larvae and their elimination. Their stinging hairs may fly in the air causing problems at animals and humans.
Processionary caterpillars are destructive pests that put in danger the survival of various species of trees and are very harmful to humans because of their particularly stinging hairs.
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To learn more about the processionary and processionary control
In its young stage it looks like a larva from 1 to 3.5 cm with numerous irritating hairs which are used as a defensive. The groups of processionary larvae usually move in a line forming a kind of “procession” (hence the name) and they get compacted when they reach their silk white nest. The nest is used for laying eggs. Afterwards it is discarded and the new larvae will be forced to rebuild it.
The so-called “triangular butterflies” are nothing more than processionary adult and although they are nocturnal, they do not enter very easily in residential homes. Although variable, the size is usually 3/4 cm and the coloring of the wings varies from dirty white to yellow light ivory with almost invisible streaks of darker color. The wingspan is about 5 cm. Like many moths, some of them may release a very irritating yellowish liquid if threatened, and then fly away.
This insect is common in temperate regions of the basin of the Mediterranean Sea (Southern Europe, Middle East and North Africa), particularly along the street trees and plants. It is considered as one of the main limiting factors for the development and survival of Mediterranean pine forests.
It attacks mainly plants of the species Pinus nigra and Pinus sylvestris, but also sometimes damages Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinea, Pinus mugo and Pinus pinaster; rarely attacks Pinus strobus.
The processionary nests are easily recognized at a distance; they are pear-shaped and bright white form, located mostly on the peaks and tips of side branches.
This insect is also known as harmful to warm-blooded species, including humans. The damage caused by the penetration of hairs in human skin can be modest or considerably serious.
On the skin pierced by their bristles or fragments of them, a very annoying rash lasting few days may appear. More serious consequences are caused when the hairs get in contact with eyes, nose and mouth or even worse when they penetrate into the respiratory and digestive tracts.
This dangerous moth can be fought in several ways: first of all by means of direct insecticide treatments on the outdoor larvae. The nest, in fact, neutralizes the effectiveness of the treatment.
For the removal of dead larvae, however, you should use extreme caution; although the best method is certainly to burn them, the charred residues are equally stinging. So it is to be avoided staying downwind or close to the fire, especially with bare face and eyes.
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