Actions intended to counteract or stop the operation of the Oak Process Spinner
Pforzheim, a city in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is taking proactive measures to combat the potential increase in oak processionary moth (OPM) infestations this year. The city's strategy, influenced by mild winter weather conditions, aims to minimise health impacts in public spaces and ensure the safety of its trees.
The Parks and Green Space Department will employ a combination of chemical and natural pest control methods. Selected oak trees in prominent locations will be sprayed with a biological preparation, specifically designed to target OPM caterpillars. This treatment will be applied to trees where the department expects a recurrence based on the previous year, as well as on trees where signs of infestation were detected during inspections.
The hatching process of the OPM begins with the leaf emergence. The effect of the applied biological preparations can only be achieved after hatching. Any occurrences of oak processionary moths will be treated by the same specialized company through vacuuming the caterpillars.
The city's prophylaxis against oak processionary moths includes regular monitoring and inspection of oak stands. To aid the public in understanding the issue, a brochure about the oak processionary moth is available on the city's website at www.pforzheim.de/eps.
Birds are natural enemies of the OPM, as they eat the caterpillars before they can develop. In an effort to encourage this natural control method, additional bird nesting boxes have been installed on "hotspot oaks" in parks, playgrounds, and green spaces. Trees on which nesting boxes have been installed will not be sprayed with the biological preparation.
The city's approach to oak processionary moth control aims to ensure the safety of public spaces and the trees. The specialist company "Forstschutz Gumbinger GmbH" will carry out the annual prevention against oak processionary moth caterpillars on behalf of the city of Pforzheim next week.
The city considers an increased occurrence of oak processionary moths possible due to mild weather conditions during the winter half-year. The city encourages the public to stay informed and vigilant, and to report any suspected infestations to the appropriate authorities.
