Last week trees in St Catherine’s Woods and Grouville were found to be infected with oak processionary moth caterpillars, and Environment officers had to don protective clothing and use breathing apparatus, a cherrypicker and a vacuum to remove the insects from the two sites.
In its caterpillar stage the insect is dangerous to both human and animal health because of its toxic hairs which can cause a severe skin irritation or allergic reaction.
The caterpillars build silken nests in oak trees, covering the tree in tiny near-invisible hairs, making the area hazardous. The nests are white, off-white to brown fibrous structures ranging in size from 10 to 30cm, and may be on trunks, branches or the forks of branches.
Scott Meadows, head of biosecurity, said: ‘There have been very few sightings to date, but we feel it is important to make the public aware.
‘So, if you suspect you have seen a nest or the caterpillars in an oak tree, try and get a picture but don’t approach too closely and call it in.’
Islanders should not touch the caterpillars or their nests, but call 441600, email Environment@gov.je, or visit gov.je/environment/landmarinewildlife to report a sighting.
