Oak processionary moth - Update 2020
20th January, 2021
In 2020 the plant health authorities increased surveillance in the Protected Zone. In June and July 2020 OPM was found on a very small number of trees at five sites within the Protected Zone, in the English counties of Sussex, Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cheshire.
They took swift and appropriate action to treat the infested trees and minimise the risk of spread. This included spraying trees in the affected areas and undertaking enhanced local surveillance.
“The caterpillars (larvae) of oak processionary moth (OPM) are pests of oak trees (trees in the Quercus genus), and a hazard to human and animal health”
Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea)
The caterpillars (larvae) of oak processionary moth (OPM) are pests of oak trees (trees in the Quercus genus), and a hazard to human and animal health. OPM was first accidentally introduced to England in 2005, and is subject to a government-led programme of survey and control to minimise its population, spread and impacts.
Additional information can be found on the Forestry Commission website here:
Forest Research often receive reports of caterpillars which are not OPM, and the following page and poster have guidance on distinguishing between OPM caterpillars and those of other species:
How to identify Oak Processionary Moth in woodlands, parks and gardens
