The oak processionary moth feeds and lives almost exclusively on oak trees.
Symptoms include:
Caterpillars in procession on the trunk nose-to-tail in late spring and early summer. The procession is sometimes arrow-shaped with one leader and rows of caterpillars following.
Nests on trunks and larger branches of oak trees. They are made of distinctive white silken webbing that fades to a light brown colour.
Dislodged nests on the ground near oak trees.
The oak processionary moth is a species of moth with caterpillars that nest on oak trees. The caterpillars are covered in small hairs which can cause health risks in humans.
To minimise health risks:
Do not touch or approach oak processionary moth caterpillars or their nests.
Do not let children or animals touch or approach the caterpillars or nests.
Do not try and remove the caterpillars or nest yourself.