Environmental experts have warned on toxic caterpillars spreading across Southern England. They are OPM’s (Oak Processionary Moths ).
According to the Forestry Commission (FC), the larvae of oak processionary moths covered in long hairs can cause skin and eye irritations, rashes, sore throats and breathing difficulties. The commission has also warned not to touch these larvae hairs. OPM can be spotted moving around in distinctive “nose-to-tail processions” as well as in “arrow-head” shaped groups.
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The biggest influenza of OPM was recorded in Greater London.Some infestations were also spotted in Bracknell Forest, Slough and Guildford. The Forestry Commission added that the OPM caterpillars were spotted emerging from egg plaques in mid-April, and trees were later treated on 23 April.
It was spotted firstly by a gardener while clearing an overgrown allotment unaware that an oak tree above her was infested with OPM. After being affected with the species, she suffered “severe symptoms” like a rash on her stomach and left side of the face.Her left eye turned very sore and weepy.
The only way to not get affected with these caterpillars are not to get in contact with them, touch or try to remove the nests on your own. Children should be warned strictly on this.Your animals should also be kept away from this. OPM’s have around 62000 hairs in its body which they can eject.The hairs can be active on ground for around four to five years. It is assumed that the moths were brought into UK on trees imported from Europe as a purpose of a landscape project.
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