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- The oak processionary moth, a native of southern Europe that damages oak trees, is invasive in the UK and is now spreading more rapidly there – despite efforts to control it
People also ask
Are there oak processionary moths in the UK?
Should I use oak processionary moth – plan and manage risks guidance?
What is oak processionary moth (OPM)?
Are oak processionary moth caterpillars?
Do pine processionary moths live on oak trees?
Can a tree be imported from the UK with a moth?
Sep 21, 2022 · No other stage of the moth’s life-cycle (egg, pupa and adult) causes deleterious effects on human health. In light of the ongoing spread of Oak Processionary, the UK Plant Health (Forestry) Order (2005) was amended in 2019 to strengthen measures on imports of oak trees into the UK.
- Oak Processionary Moth
- What Is OPM?
- How to Identify OPM
- When to Look For OPM
- Species Commonly Confused with OPM
- How to Report Sightings of OPM and What Happens After You File A Report
- Risks of OPM
- What to Do If Exposed
- Managing OPM
- Restrictions on Trade and Movement of Oak Trees
If you own or manage oak trees, you should use this guidance to identify and survey the caterpillars and nests, and report any sightings. You will also find information on government management of OPMand restrictions on the trade and movement of oak trees. Updated management Zones for Oak Processionary Moth, March 2024. Moving large oak trees withi...
The caterpillars of OPM infest oak trees, eating (defoliating) the leaves, weakening the tree and leaving it vulnerable to other threats. OPMnests and caterpillars are also a hazard to human and animal health. OPM was first identified in London in 2006 and has spread to some surrounding counties including Surrey and other parts of south east Englan...
Caterpillars
The caterpillars have black heads and grey bodies covered in long white hairs. Please see these example OPM caterpillar images (PDF, 358 KB, 1 page). The caterpillars are only about 2mm long when they emerge in spring, and tend to remain high in the trees until they are older and larger. When they reach 1cm long they develop the irritating hairs. They’re fully grown at 2cm long. They usually move nose-to-tail in a procession, hence their name. You may be able to see them on all parts of the t...
Nests
Nests are usually found in early summer, in the trunks and branches of oak trees. A tree or branch can contain many nests. They can appear at any height - from the ground to the top of the tree. You are unlikely to find nests on any other tree or shrub species, fences, walls or other similar structures (apart from structures supporting the tree). They are typically dome or teardrop-shaped, and range from the size of a golf ball to a rugby ball. When fresh, the nests are white with white silke...
Late spring and early summer are the best times to spot OPM caterpillars and their new nests in your oak trees. You can look for evidence of OPMfrom the ground, best checking from several angles. Using binoculars for this is recommended.
We often receive reports of caterpillars that are not OPM. Please check the guidance species commonly confused with oak processionary moth (OPM) (PDF, 9.23 MB, 1 page) for distinguishing between OPMcaterpillars and other species before submitting any reported sighting.
Any sightings should be reported to us using the Tree Alert online form. We also accept reports via email at opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk, although Tree Alerts are preferred. Please read the guidance regarding the essential information to be included in OPM reports on the OPM resource hub. The Forestry Commission may issue you with a Statutory Pla...
Do not touch or get close to the caterpillars or nests. OPMcaterpillars and nests affect the health of people and animals, as they contain hairs which can cause itchy rashes, eye and throat irritations and occasionally breathing difficulties in both people and animals. In rare cases the hairs may cause an allergic reaction. You can become sensitise...
If you or someone in your care has a serious allergic reaction, get medical help. For less severe reactions, a pharmacist can provide advice on relief from skin or eye irritations. If an animal in your care is seriously affected, get advice from a vet. Tell the medical person or vet you suspect it is due to OPMcontact. You should report OPM via the...
Forestry Commission leads an annual programme of work to manage OPM. The actions required under the programme will vary depending on where your site is located. There are currently 3 areas or zones described below.
Imports of oak trees
To protect the country against OPM through movement and imports, OPMis regulated as a quarantine pest and legislation is in place to protect oak trees against the pest. No imports of oak trees from outside the EU are currently permitted. The legislation requires that imports into Great Britain from EU countries can only take place if the oak trees have been grown throughout their life: 1. in places of production in countries in which OPMis not known to occur 2. in a Pest Free Area for OPM, es...
Movement of oak trees in Great Britain
Restrictions on moving large oak trees (Quercus L), with a girth (circumference) at 1.2m above the root collar of 8cm (2.55cm diameter approx.) in Great Britain vary dependent on what OPMmanagement zone the trees are in. The Great Britain OPM management zones map 2024 with exclusion zone (PDF, 299 KB, 1 page) was updated for the start of the OPM 2024 season. You can also see a list of local authorities and wards (ODT, 62.6 KB)that fall into the buffer zone and established area. To see what zo...
Moving large oak trees from the area free from the pest
Large oak trees in the area free from the pest can move anywhere in Great Britain.
Jul 22, 2022 · OAK PROCESSIONARY MOTH. Adult oak processionary moth larvae, which strip oak trees and cause very unpleasant symptoms for anyone who comes into contact with their stinging hairs. (Image: EA)
Oct 12, 2021 · The oak processionary moth (OPM), an invasive species in northern Europe with caterpillars that are toxic to humans and other animals, expanded its range at an increased speed in the years...
- Gary Hartley
OPM is established in most of Greater London and in some surrounding counties. The remainder of the United Kingdom (UK) is designated as an area free from the pest with special restrictions on...
Oak processionary moth caterpillars feed on oak leaves and can increase trees’ vulnerability to attack by other pests and diseases, making them less able to withstand weather conditions such as drought and floods.
May 24, 2023 · New legislation to allow the movement of large oak trees and trade within the operational zones and boundaries in place to help manage Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) is being introduced...
