With the arrival of autumn, several city councils have activated specific plans against the pine processionary caterpillar present in streets, parks, and educational centers. These actions seek to reduce risks to residents and pets without interrupting the use of public spaces.
The main technique is the endotherapy treatment, a system that injects the phytosanitary product into the trunk and circulates it through the tree sap, reaching the larvae with an efficiency well in excess of 90%. This approach avoids spraying, allows green areas to remain open and, in addition, it is also recommended for specimens in private plots.
Baza launches preventive campaign on municipal trees
En Baza (Grenada)Work began on September 17th with the company Agroforestal Monte Vivo. The procedure involves making microperforations in the trunk, which are then sealed, to inject the phytosanitary product, allowing it to reach the larvae through the sap. The efficiency is very high and the outside of the pine tree is not affected, so the parks remain open during the intervention.
In addition to the municipal trees, It is advisable to extend the treatment a Pine trees Located on private property to reinforce the preventive effect. Acting as soon as possible is key to avoiding damage caused by the pest and minimizing discomfort to citizens and pets.
Punta Umbría hires an intensive plan in sensitive areas
City Council Punta Umbría, together with El Portil, has put out to tender a specific contract for pest control for an amount of 18.150 euros (VAT included). The specifications stipulate the treatment of at least 900 copies of stone pine through endotherapy.
Priority is given to the most sensitive environments: schools and daycare centers, the adult education center and the Music School, along with its immediate perimeter. The campaign also includes play areas and intensive use areas by the population.
The device will be extended to designated points in the urban area, including Virgen del Carmen Park, April 26th square, the Thyme park of El Portil, Juan Carlos I neighborhood, Virgen del Rocío, February 28th, Los Rosales, Rafael Alberti square, Romano neighborhood, La Marina urbanization, the El Portil health center, the Tourist Office, the Canoeing School and the Nautical Sports Club, as well as various gardens, avenues and squares, and sports areas such as the municipal complex "Mayor José Hernández Albarracín".
Offers may be submitted until September 26; the intervention is planned for the second half of October and should be completed before November 30thThe Mayor's Office emphasizes the need to act in the surroundings of educational centers, parks and recreational areas to reduce stinging reactions in people and pets and strengthen pest control.
Torrelodones completes its quota of neighborhood aid
In parallel, Torrelodones has completed the quota of 150 applications for aid for its campaign against the pine processionary caterpillar. Technical services are verifying that the applications meet the requirements established and the council has thanked the residents for their collaboration.
How endotherapy works and why it is used in streets and parks
Endotherapy is based on inject the product into the trunk so that it is distributed internally by the sap. Thaumetopoea pityocampa larvae They ingest it when eating, which damages their digestive system and slows the formation and proliferation of bags. According to the specifications provided by the city councils, the tree absorbs the phytosanitary product in less than three hours, without emitting substances into the environment or leaving external waste.
To ensure the result and avoid damage, The treatment must be carried out by specialized personnel with adequate material. Bringing forward the campaign before the caterpillars descend in "procession" reduces health risks, limits future costs and protects those who walk with their pets in green areas.
The panorama drawn by Baza, Punta Umbría and Torrelodones points to a shared strategy: Use of endotherapy, priority to sensitive environments and clear schedules to contain the processionary caterpillar urban pines, keeping public spaces open and inviting private owners to join in for more effective control.
