The processionary pine caterpillar as the name suggests makes its home in a certain type of pine tree.
There is only one generation per year and most of the time the caterpillars are not seen and therefore not a threat. The most dangerous time is in February, March and April when they start to come down from the pine trees in search of food. The caterpillars can do a lot of damage to pine trees and when they have stripped a tree of all its needles they will form a long line and begin their search for other pine trees and more food.
Experiments in America have shown that if the caterpillars are put in a circle nose to tail they will go round and round until they die from lack of food.
This processionary line makes them particularly attractive to young children, who are used to their non-toxic cousins in England. However, dogs are very much at risk as they tend to sniff the caterpillars and inhale the poison.
If you are visiting the Iberian Peninsula or even now southern France in the early part of the year and are travelling through areas of pine trees have a look out for the nests. They are very easy to see. Just look for white cocoons similar to candy floss in the trees and make a hasty exit. Whatever you do, do not stop and go walking about under the trees.
The long line they form makes them easily identifiable, hence the name. Long hairs give out poison that when touched irritates the skin. Allergic reactions are not unknown and if ingested the consequences can be dire.
The real risk of complications to a healthy human being is minimal, but we have had first hand experience of humans and dogs being affected, fortunately with no serious outcome.
a STORY ABOUT A MAN WHO WAS AFFECTED....
HE SHELTERED DURING A RAIN STORM Within seconds of brushing against the tree he became aware of an intense feeling of itching and burning, similar to pins and needles all over him. This later developed into an itchy rash. He went to the chemist who advised an immediate trip to the doctor. At the doctors he was given two injections, cream for the rash and a course of tablets. It is very important to complete the course of tablets as any dust from the tree that has been inhaled can cause lung damage.
The allergic reaction can be caused by the tiniest bit of dust that floats down from an infected tree. You do not have to touch the caterpillar.
processionary Caterpillars are dangerous to both cats and dogs. They have a very bittersweet smell and taste, and your DOG will try to eat them. If eaten by your lab, the results are almost certain to be fatal. As little as three or four will kill a medium sized dog. The reaction to the poison also causes necrosis of the tongue, and if you as the labrador owner do not notice in time, it is usually to late for a vet to do anything to help, apart from ease the suffering
There is only one generation per year and most of the time the caterpillars are not seen and therefore not a threat. The most dangerous time is in February, March and April when they start to come down from the pine trees in search of food. The caterpillars can do a lot of damage to pine trees and when they have stripped a tree of all its needles they will form a long line and begin their search for other pine trees and more food.
Experiments in America have shown that if the caterpillars are put in a circle nose to tail they will go round and round until they die from lack of food.
This processionary line makes them particularly attractive to young children, who are used to their non-toxic cousins in England. However, dogs are very much at risk as they tend to sniff the caterpillars and inhale the poison.
If you are visiting the Iberian Peninsula or even now southern France in the early part of the year and are travelling through areas of pine trees have a look out for the nests. They are very easy to see. Just look for white cocoons similar to candy floss in the trees and make a hasty exit. Whatever you do, do not stop and go walking about under the trees.
The long line they form makes them easily identifiable, hence the name. Long hairs give out poison that when touched irritates the skin. Allergic reactions are not unknown and if ingested the consequences can be dire.
The real risk of complications to a healthy human being is minimal, but we have had first hand experience of humans and dogs being affected, fortunately with no serious outcome.
a STORY ABOUT A MAN WHO WAS AFFECTED....
HE SHELTERED DURING A RAIN STORM Within seconds of brushing against the tree he became aware of an intense feeling of itching and burning, similar to pins and needles all over him. This later developed into an itchy rash. He went to the chemist who advised an immediate trip to the doctor. At the doctors he was given two injections, cream for the rash and a course of tablets. It is very important to complete the course of tablets as any dust from the tree that has been inhaled can cause lung damage.
The allergic reaction can be caused by the tiniest bit of dust that floats down from an infected tree. You do not have to touch the caterpillar.
processionary Caterpillars are dangerous to both cats and dogs. They have a very bittersweet smell and taste, and your DOG will try to eat them. If eaten by your lab, the results are almost certain to be fatal. As little as three or four will kill a medium sized dog. The reaction to the poison also causes necrosis of the tongue, and if you as the labrador owner do not notice in time, it is usually to late for a vet to do anything to help, apart from ease the suffering
