Experts have issued a serious warning to pet owners in Spain, particularly those who live or frequent areas with pine trees. The pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), a dangerous species for people and animals, has advanced its usual season of appearancenow occurring in October instead of the months of February and March, as is normal.
This situation has set off alarms among authorities and pest control professionals, who attribute this unusual change to rising temperatures and prolonged drought. Given the threat of this pest, especially risky for dogs, experts recommend taking precautionary measures to avoid serious incidents.
The appearance of this plague of caterpillars in the middle of autumn is a phenomenon that has surprised the scientific community and to the citizens of affected municipalities, such as Alhaurín de la Torre, in the province of Málaga. Abel Perea, Councilor for the Environment of this municipality, explains that this abnormal behavior of the processionary is due to the effects of climate change, which has caused a warm and dry autumn followed by recent rains, altering the biological cycle of the caterpillar.
This earlier appearance could pose greater danger, especially for pets and children who play in pine areas, since The stinging hairs of caterpillars can cause severe allergic reactions. and, in some cases, even death in dogs.
Juan Zamudio, supervisor of the pest control company Rapiplaga, details that the alteration of the life cycle of the processionary seriously affects its control, making it more dangerous. According to Zamudio, the species should be in a preparation phase for preventive treatment in pine trees, but the advance of its cycle has complicated control tasks.
In addition, he emphasizes that the use of biological treatments such as Bacillus thuringiensis, an ecological bacteria, can help reduce the spread of the pest without causing damage to the environment. However, the early arrival of the processionary this year hinders the effectiveness of these treatmentsso citizens are urged to take additional preventive measures.
Consequences of being in contact with the processionary caterpillar
- Vomiting
- Swelling of various parts of the body
- In severe cases, loss of tongue tissue
- In more extreme and untreated cases, death
Furthermore, he agrees that the early appearance of caterpillars is related to the unusual weather this year. He explains that the first rains, after months of drought, have stimulated the descent of the caterpillars from the tops of the pine trees to the ground, a process in which they group in rows, forming their characteristic “processions.”
It is recommended that pet owners take extra precautionsespecially in pine forest areas, and to closely monitor their animals after walks. Inhaling or coming into contact with the stinging hairs of these caterpillars can cause serious symptoms, such as vomiting, swelling, and, in the most extreme cases, loss of tongue tissue.
Climate change has affected the phenology of various species in the region, and the pine processionary is no exception. The affected municipalities have begun to implement control measures in parks and public areasand have even urged owners of land with pine trees to apply preventive treatments.
Climate variability, with drier summers and hot autumns, will continue to affect the presence of pests in atypical timesincreasing the risk for local fauna and pets.
How to avoid the processionary caterpillar
Given the threat of the processionary, the recommendations are clear: avoid walks in areas with pine trees and check the animals after going for a walk in risk areas. Simple exposure to the hairs of these caterpillars can trigger serious effects on animals, and even on children, who usually have close contact with the ground and surroundings. In addition, they recommend being informed about the symptoms of poisoning to act quickly in case of emergency.
In conclusion, the early arrival of the pine processionary this fall highlights the effects of climate change on the alteration of the natural cycles of various speciesputting the health of pets and people at risk. Experts insist that pet owners should be especially vigilant during walks and take extra precautions to avoid potentially fatal accidents.
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