Beware of Processional Pine caterpillars

I really don't know they sprayed Rojales park this year and apparently put 1.5 million aside to deal with them nationally what is really amassing is that each nest can be up to 300 caterpillars so as you can imagine if they all reproduce how many nest could be around next year and they devastate the trees as well, I have seen them behind the cemetery in Benimar must be at least 50 nests.

I did read somewhere that there is a department in the Guardia Civil that are supposed to deal with them if reported but I would imagine they are overwhelmed with reports.

Scuby is it when the nest turns BLACK ,that's the time they are on the march to other trees,I've read mid-february early march is the time?,Millie enjoy the beach have fun.

No they shed 5 times before they leave so the nest turns blacker as they are closer to leaving you will notice some nests are still very white, because of the weather last year some started nesting earlier so I think the season for them this year will be longer than normal some are already on the move which is very early and will probably continue until April!!

Do not even walk under pine trees with nests.

Scuby thanks for that,its Gordon here so Liz can't be blamed for the next silly question.


Is there a local map that highlight - pinpoints areas where "WE" have pine trees and this serious issue?


With our minimum knowledge we are aware of two possibly three close by us.

No not that I aware of but they are every ware and in virtually every park just avoid walking under them, they are not new people just need to be aware of the potential dangers of then and take care at this time of year.

Common sense is the answer.

Just in case this subject is putting you of Spain you may like to know that the UK is also now being plagued with them!!!

We're all doomed Mr Mainwaring

Weve bought in Spain ,and would not change our decision one iota,luv Lo Marabu, I think the more we are aware of this type of issue the better we are prepared.we have two cocker spaniels.

Thanks for the replies.

As for the UK,Monday morning defrosted the car (remember) scraper in one hand coffee cup in the other,back inside for a heavier jacket.
Thursday gales ,snow showers ,rain.

We were down the beach new years day
Not long before we are there on a more permanent basis can't wait.

Have a nice day

Thank you

Just to let members know, we saw lots of these caterpillars this morning on the road down from Portico Mar to the beach at Moncayo.

Yes the wooded area is totally infested with them it seem that they don't normally treat that area for some reason they are more prevalent this year than ever just be carful not to disturb them.