Processional Caterpillars

Hi Everyone

I wonder if anyone can help, we have noticed we have nests of processional Caterpillars in our pine tree. We need to get rid, does anyone know who we should get to get rid of them, as we have pets, children and hopefully soon some guests!
Please help!
Thanks very much
Viv

According to this thread, the council has an obligation to remove them, http://www.andalucia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=18594

A video I took of an army in Morocco a few years back... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvEDHi0466c

For those who are interested, it was on the edge of a caldera of a volcano in the Middle Atlas, hence all the gas bubbles in the rocks.

been told spray with hair spray then cut branch carefully and burn them

Thanks for that info, I think we will need to go to the town hall to get rid, as a lot of the nests are quite high!! Fingers crossed eh!!

Yes, watch out when you tackle these guys.. last weekend I chopped a few bunches off our tree then burnt them.. now my arms and neck are covered in weird blotches! (also now taking tablets)
...next time I'll go for a full on industrial E.T. type kind of suit

you definitely need full protective clothing and goggles. there was a picture on a f b page from a vet that showed what it can do to a dogs mouth, the dog was taken to the vet promptly and still looked like its tongue had been badly burnt.

Oh poor Dunc!  

If you spray the nests well first with a good strong hairspray, as Mandi mentioned above, this can help stick the hairs down.  Wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles.  Cut the branches really carefully, don't hack or saw at them, as the movement makes the caterpillars want to shoot their hairs at you.

Yes, I know of dogs and cats that have had to have their tongues removed and some didn't make it.  Some have also gone blind.

Please do not let your animals, or children anywhere near pine trees with nests in.  If they are in an area where you usually walk, it is not a case of just walking a few meters around the tree, keep well away, or don't go there until later in the year.  The hairs are very fine, float in the air and can get into your eyes.

Most Town Halls in the inland areas won't tackle these guys, as these are poor rural farming areas.  Firstly they don't really understand the problem and secondly don't have the money.

Some Town Halls near to urbanistations, especially on the coasts, do have a task force ready to sort out the problem.  Just contact them for advice, if you live on an urbanisation.

The mild weather, could mean they leave their nests early like last year.  Keep a good eye out on the ground, especially when walking dogs.