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The Processionary, also known as Pine caterpillar (Thaumetophoea pityocampa), is the main defoliant insect of pine tree and cedar, which attacks these trees by weakening and causing them to die.

In addition to the harmful effect on these trees, it can cause serious public health problems due to the stinging action of the hair.

Every year Infraquinta starts the prevention and control measures of the pine processionary in the summer, placing traps of pheromones in order to capture the male butterflies.

These traps are placed in various pines in public space, with special reinforcement in areas of greater human concentration and in areas of greater occurrence of infestation registered in the previous year.

In October the traps are removed and in October-November, according to the first signs of caterpillars (which varies with the weather) the pines in public spaces are sprayed with biological insecticide.

Normally and after analysis of Infraquinta’s  Landscaping and Gardening Department, a second spraying is carried out in the months of December-January.

In a later period, when the caterpillars abandon the pine trees, and whenever a group of processionaries is detected, the insecticide is applied as a measure of reaction.

Infraquinta advises the owners to spray the pine tress during the months of October and November, as it is during this period that the caterpillars are newly hatched and thus the insecticide will have a more effective action.

If you have any questions, you can contact the Infraquinta’s Landscaping and Gardening Department through 289 390 030.