Thaumatopea pityocampa (Pine processionary moth)

Pine processionary moth Thaumatopea pityocampa

The Pine Processionary Moth is a defoliating lepidopteran insect belonging to the family Notodontidae, genus Thaumetopoea.

It mainly attacks pine trees of the species Pinus nigra and Pinus sylvestris, however, in addition to other Pine trees (P. halepensis, P. pinea and P. pinaster), it has also been detected in larch and cedar.

The moth is widespread in the Mediterranean basin (southern Europe, Middle East and northern Africa) and prevalent throughout Italy.

Within the Ministerial Decree of 6 December 2021, the Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry ordered the repeal of some obligatory controls and national emergency measures including the Ministerial Decree of 30 October 2007, which provided for the mandatory control of the Pine Processionary Moth in areas identified by the Marche Region R.P.P.S. (Regional Plant Protection Service), as those where the insect was seriously threatening the production or survival of the plant and tree population.

Despite the rescinding of obligations related to the fight against the pine processionary moth for the protection of plant production or tree survival, the insect still represents a health risk in areas where citizens or animals are found.

For this reason, it is advisable to always report infestations to the public health authorities (i.e. the mayor of the municipality), stating the location of the affected plants.

In addition, municipalities can issue specific regulations to limit the spread of the insect and the potential damage to human and animal health.

This measure is aimed at owners of green space and wooded areas in as well as building managers with responsibility for maintaining private green areas. Therefore, it is advisable to check the situation in your municipality by using the on-line municipal notice board or contacting the relevant offices.

Despite the Marche Region R.P.P.S. no longer being responsible for the compulsory control of the insect, the indications and technical advice published in the below guidance remains valid.

 

Dissimenation material:

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