Processionary caterpillars.
(Illustration) -
ALLILI MOURAD / SIPA
This brownish and hairy insect, with very stinging hairs, is currently leaving its nest to burrow into the ground.
Several techniques exist to try to limit the proliferation of the caterpillar.
They usually move in single file, which gives them this bizarre name.
The pine processionary caterpillars have been out in France in recent days with the first rays of sunshine.
In Loire-Atlantique, where these tree species are very common, the peak of processions is expected in the coming days.
“Alert!
There are a dozen nests in the pine in front of the nursery ", already worries a Nantes woman on Twitter, photo of these little critters wandering on the sidewalk in support.
3 to 4 cm long, this brownish and hairy insect is currently leaving its nest to burrow into the ground.
A few months later, the larva will become a moth, then the females will lay their eggs up there, on the needles, before the eggs become caterpillars ... But there is a catch: “Their hairs are particularly stinging and very dangerous for man, especially for children if they touch them and put them in their mouths, explains Vincent Brochard, departmental manager of the Polleniz organization and referent on the case.
Also watch out for pets, some have unfortunately passed there ... We appeal for caution.
"
Drone, bags, treatment ...
In addition to these prevention messages, the fight to eradicate these tough caterpillars is intensifying.
In La Baule, where the subject has become "a real health issue", we decided to use great means.
At the beginning of the month, a remote-controlled drone was dropped in the sky to locate the nests, sometimes very high in the trees, and to inject black soap into them.
“We will have to improve it, but the device is interesting, welcomes Annabelle Garand, deputy mayor in charge of the environment.
The goal is to combine different methods, that's the only way to get rid of it!
"
From scoop traps to drones, many techniques to fight against pine processionary caterpillars - D. Q (in Saint-Brévin) and Ville de la Baule
As in other cities, the town also tries to trap the small animals during their descent, thanks to large bags fixed around the trunks.
She has also set up nests for chickadees, birds that love these caterpillars, but some inhabitants have become accustomed to feeding them which cuts their appetite a little ... "There is also the pheromone trap to create a decoy and capture male butterflies, adds Vincent Brochard.
Microbiological control also shows good results.
The needles are sprayed with the Thuringian bacillus, a bacterium which poisons caterpillars, but whose safety has been verified for other species.
The problem is that it would have to be repeated every ten days.
"
Paintball balls
To try to go further, the municipalities are trying to educate individuals to treat their trees or equip them with scavengers.
And especially the owners of second homes, who do not see with their own eyes the processions, usually over when they arrive for the summer holidays.
Other treatment avenues are also being studied, again with astonishing tools.
"We recently tested in Saint-Nazaire the mating disruption method for which we use a paintball," describes Vincent Brochard.
Beads that contain synthetic pheromones are projected in order to over-strain the receptors of male butterflies.
The goal is that by dint of looking for females, they get exhausted!
This will limit the couplings, and therefore the number of tracks.
"
Planet
Invasive species in France: The sacred ibis, the opportunistic bird of Loire Atlantique
Planet
Proliferation of wasps: "Containment has nothing to do, and the mild winter not much more"
Tree
Insect
Planet
Nantes