Weststellingwerf combats oak processionary moth with eco-friendly nighttime spraying
Residents of Weststellingwerf may experience temporary noise and light disturbances as the municipality starts nighttime spraying to tackle the oak processionary moth. This eco-friendly method prevents health risks like skin rashes and respiratory issues during summer.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Control Method | Spraying nematodes (microscopic worms) on oak trees |
| Timing | Mid/late April, evenings and nights |
| Frequency | Two rounds, two weeks apart |
| Impact on Residents | Temporary light and noise pollution |
| Health Risks | Oak processionary moth hairs cause itching, rashes, and respiratory issues |
| Effectiveness | Nearly 100% success rate in treated trees last year |
| Locations | Overview to be published on the municipality’s webpage |
The Municipality of Weststellingwerf is responsible for public health and safety within its jurisdiction, including pest control measures like managing the oak processionary moth. This initiative aims to protect residents from health hazards while minimizing environmental impact.
Read the full translated article below
Control of oak processionary moth
The Municipality of Weststellingwerf will soon (mid/late April) resume its preventive control measures against the oak processionary moth. The oak trees will be sprayed with nematodes: microscopic worms. These nematodes infect the oak processionary moths, causing them to die.
Nuisance
The nematodes cannot tolerate sunlight. For this reason, the trees will be sprayed in the evening and at night. This may cause light and noise pollution. We understand that this is inconvenient, but we kindly ask for your understanding. A little inconvenience now means no itching in the summer.
Two weeks after the control round, the trees will be sprayed again.
Eco-friendly control method
Spraying oak trees with nematodes is an eco-friendly way to control the oak processionary moth and is not harmful to humans, animals or nature. The preventive control method has also proven to be very successful: in almost all trees treated last year, no oak processionary moth nests were found.
Locations
Each year, the municipality checks which trees are home to oak processionary moths. In places where, for example, many cyclists pass by, we take preventive measures against the oak processionary moth. Soon, an overview of all locations where we will be controlling the oak processionary moth will be published on this webpage.
Health complaints caused by oak processionary moth
An adult oak processionary moth has stinging hairs that can cause very unpleasant or even dangerous health complaints in both humans and animals, such as itching, skin rashes, eye and respiratory irritation.