The regional Department of the Environment has begun the aerial application to control the processionary caterpillar in pine trees, covering an area of 2,400 hectares of public «monte» that includes Calasparra.
This area represents 50% more coverage than last year.
The method employed uses a biological insecticide (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki), permitted in ecological agriculture. This insecticide is specifically effective on the initial stages of the caterpillar’s lava when it is at its most vulnerable and the treatment is most effective.
The treatment has an established exclusion zone of within 100 metres of urban cenres, residential areas, rivers, natural fountains and bee colonies.
