The Pine Processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is not just a forestry pest; it is a major public health issue on the Costa Cálida. Its urticating hairs can cause severe allergic reactions in children and adults, and most alarmingly: they can cause the death of pets (dogs and cats) in a matter of hours due to asphyxiation or tongue necrosis.
At Servinmosol, we hold the ROPO certification (Official Register of Producers and Operators) to apply advanced phytosanitary treatments that eliminate the pest without putting the health of residents at risk.
Endotherapy: The Clean and Effective Solution
Traditional aerial fumigation is increasingly restricted in urban areas. For this reason, we have specialized in Plant Endotherapy.
This technique consists of injecting the treatment directly into the vascular system of the pine trunk at low pressure.
- Total Safety: Since there is no spraying, there is no risk to people, children, or pets playing under the tree. It is harmless to the environment.
- Prolonged Efficacy: The product is distributed throughout the tree, reaching the needles that the caterpillars eat, eliminating them before they form the nest.
- Respectful to Fauna: It only affects the caterpillar that feeds on the pine, respecting birds and other beneficial insects.
The Biological Cycle: When and How to Act
The success of the treatment depends on the time of application. Applying the same method in August as in February is useless:
☀️ Summer (Monitoring and Flight Control)
During the hot months, the pest is in its nocturnal moth phase. To get ahead of it, we install pheromone traps in summer (to capture male moths and prevent reproduction). By interrupting massive mating, we drastically reduce the number of eggs that will hatch in the following season.
🍂 Autumn (Prevention - The Key)
This is the optimal time for Endotherapy (October - January). We attack the caterpillar in its early larval stages, when it is tiny and vulnerable, preventing it from forming the characteristic white winter nests. By injecting the treatment in this phase, the pine is shielded from the inside, cutting off the biological cycle before the caterpillars develop their urticating hairs.
❄️ Winter/Spring (Shock Treatment)
If there are already visible nests, the caterpillar is descending. Here we perform mechanical nest cutting (high pruning) and the placement of trap rings on the trunk that capture the caterpillars in their descent to the ground to bury themselves. These collars act as a physical and ecological barrier that directs the caterpillars into a closed collection bag, completely preventing them from forming processions on the grass or sidewalks.
If you see caterpillars in a procession (in a line) on the ground, NEVER step on them or sweep them, as you will release toxic hairs into the air. Keep your dog away and call us urgently for a safe removal. If your dog touches one, go to the vet immediately.
Comprehensive Treatment in Communities
In residential complexes with large pine groves, we carry out comprehensive management plans that include monitoring with pheromone traps in summer (to capture male moths and prevent reproduction) and curative treatments in winter. We issue the mandatory treatment certificate for the community's maintenance book. This guarantees peace of mind for all neighbors and tenants throughout the year.