Council issues plea to help wipe out moth problem

11.52.05am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 13th Jul 2007

A fresh appeal to residents to help stop the spread of a moth that poses a risk to human health has been issued this week by Richmond Council.

Oak Processionary Moth larvae have been spotted on trees in West and South West London, including Kew Gardens. The Council is working with various agencies to identify where the larvae are active and control them before they become established in the UK. Residents are being urged to report any sightings of the distinctive 'hairy caterpillars' or nests in oak trees and are asked to check any oak trees in private gardens while remembering to approach with extreme caution.

The caterpillars feed on leaves and produce silken nests on the trunk or branches of oak trees. They are named after their habit of forming nose-to-tail processions on the trees. It is essential that residents do not handle, remove or in any way disturb the nests and larvae to minimise the health risk and ensure that the eradication programme isn't disrupted. The hairs contain a toxin which releases histamine in humans, causing allergy-like symptoms. They can cause skin itching and rashes, conjunctivitis and sore throats, and small numbers of people have symptoms of respiratory problems, similar to asthma.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said: "While there is no cause for alarm, we are anxious to raise awareness of this problem and call on residents to help us eradicate it. Anyone who spots the larvae or distinctive nests should keep well clear and contact the Council immediately. We have been working closely with various agencies including the Forestry Commission and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, to remove the caterpillars and make the areas safe."