Several Nexonr readers have been in touch about the plague of “processionaria” nests in pine trees and/or a nasty rash as a result of hairs floating around in the air.
After some checking we have discovered there is no service either at the local Town Hall or at the Forestry Office on the lower Sanctuary Road. However, there is a company in Molino de Segura, called Quipons (webpage: quipons.com) which will come and treat the affected pine trees.
A spokesperson at Quipons told Nexonr the time to fumígate the pìne trees to eliminate the nests was in September/October.
He told us that fumigating at this time of year was not effective as the caterpillars were already falling from the nests and thus mosts of the nests are empty.
Apparently the hairs of these caterpillars float around in the air and, assisted by the winds in Calasparra lately, which means it is easy to come into contact with them. Contact can cause a very unpleasant rash which can normally be treated with cream from the local chemists. Although, of course, if you are worrried you should consult your GP.
According to Quipons, once on the ground the caterpillars will bury themselves and then turn into chrysallises, at which stage they are completely harmless. However, when at the caterpillar stage any contact, even sniffing, by dogs can present an extremely serious health risk.
The Town Hall normally fumigates local pine trees to eliminate the nests in public aras, however, this year, due to financial constraints this has not happened. Paradoxically, this year there are more nests than ever, due to the warm weather, and the hairs are being carried around by strong winds. Unfortunately, the winds are likely to continue locally until next Wednesday.
If you go to Quipons webpage and click on “email” where it says “Solicite una inspeccion gratuita en el 639 69 31 31 or por email” you can send the information about the nests you have in English to arrange a free inspection and quote for the work.
Nexonr would be grateful if readers would let us know their experiences with this service so we can share this information with our readers.
