The campaign includes most visited areas of public «monte» around Calasparra used for recreation, and paths used by walkers, cyclists and families.
The treatments on the ground include nebulization with an atomizor cannon mounted on off road vehicles applying Cypermethrin of 0.35% rapidly in extensive areas and manual spraying with back pack pulverizers in areas of difficult access and the manual elimination of «bags» by using pruning tools to cut them down to avoid the propogation of the caterpillars.
During this work areas being treated will be signposted and the acceses controlled to guarantee public safety.
Experts advise dog walkers that their pets must be kept on leads to avoid them eating the larva on the ground that sting and can cause problems and make pets ill.
If you find «bags» in your garden it is recommended that you remove them manually, apply authorized phytosanitary products and/or install rings around the trunks of the trees to capture the caterpillars.
Editors Note
«Manual removal» does not involve touching the nest bag or the caterpillars. Use a long pruning tool to cut the nest out of the tree and catch the nest in a bag before spraying the area.
The Sierra del Puerto, a popular part of the Calasparra countryside for hunters, walkers, cyclists and families is absolutely infested with processionary nests and is best avoided.
The Sierra del Molino has been sprayed against the processionary but a reader advises there are nests on the sunnyside at least.
Colder, mountainous areas of the region are sometimes a safe option for dog walkers, however, please check before walking your dog without a lead.
If you see nest bags on your neighbour´s land try alerting them to the problem, however, if they are uncooperative and your pets are being put at risk report the area to the Municipal WhatsApp service.
