Posted on: 14 August, 2019
Author: Hazel Marsham
This non-native moth has been found in Surrey and Berkshire. It causes a risk to human health as well as seriously damaging trees. Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) is a recent introduction into the UK. It gets its name from the distinctive processing behaviour of the caterpillars because they tend to move in nose-to-tail lines. The caterpillars of these moths feed on oak leaves leading to a severe loss of foliage which can weaken the trees and make them more vulnerable to other diseases. However, the main concern with this pest is the threat to human health because the caterpillar hairs can cause severe allergic reactions. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com Hazel Marsham is a marketing consultant with Karma Media web design and internet marketing consultancy, and webmaster for Cedardale Tree Surgeons and Arboriculturists