150,000 pine trees situated in 500 acre forest were cleared from pine processionary moth by mechanical method.

Pine processionary moth (PPM) is a great threat not only for pine trees but also for human health. (PPM) larvae (caterpillars) feed on the needles of pine trees. In large numbers they can severely defoliate trees, weakening them and making them more susceptible to attack by other pests or diseases. PPM caterpillars represent a public health hazard because they have thousands of hairs which contain a protein that causes painful skin irritations, rashes and allergic reactions in case of contact. Efforts to control the pine processionary moths, which lay eggs in November and overwinter on top of trees, include biological control, chemical control and mechanical control. Chemical control is not recommended because it also threatens other forms of life. Biological control is carried out in November and December. Since the white silken nests which the caterpillars form in trees to overwinter are very obvious, mechanical removal of nests is carried out in winter.

According to the press release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations Office of the University of Kyrenia, 150,000 pine tree plants situated in 500 acre Dikmen Forest of the University of Kyrenia were pruned and caterpillar nests were mechanically removed and burned.

The caterpillars of the pine processionary are highly urticating. Contact with the hairs causes skin rashes and extensive itching which may require hospital treatment. In fact, pine processionary is a butterfly species with thousand of urticating hairs and their caterpillars have a significant place among forest pests in our country. Defoliation of needles is the main symptom of pine processionary moth attack. Complete defoliation of needles can occur where there has been a high level of infestation for several consecutive years. Since caterpillars feed at night during the winter, mechanical removal of nests in winter is the best way to eradicate pine processionary moth. Otherwise, caterpillars will be fatal by weakening the trees and making them more susceptible to the attacks of other pests or diseases.