Forum Topic

Oak Processionary Moth Nests in Brent Lea

Has anyone else from Brent Lea reported the OPM nests in Brent Lea resident's car park? I did so on 10th June and given the health risks associated with the caterpillars I expected the council to keep the car park area clear or at the very least notify residents of the danger. This morning I spoke to a subcontractor who had come to survey the trees and he was amazed that the council had done nothing to warn residents, especially as some of the caterpillars are now out and about on the trees.  I hate creepy crawlies, even more so when they are toxic!

Lorin McCrystal ● 3696d10 Comments

I see that quite a few nests have been removed from Gunnersbury Park - and I came across a report from Holland that they are expecting moths to start flying after pupation from 15th July. I guess the UK date can't be more than a week later....

Tim Henderson ● 3687d

Nope, still there. Hounslow Housing appear to be just as useless as the previous lot.

Lorin McCrystal ● 3687d

Anything happening....  or are they waiting long enough for the problem to fly away. 

Philippa Bond ● 3687d

http://www.hounslow.gov.uk/index/environment_and_planning/environmental_health/pest_control/types_pest/oak_processionary_moth.htmOoh look those are definitely the caterpillars of the oak processionary moth!  Yes, you've definitely got oak processionary moths nesting there.  I'll just log those down as definitely oak processionary moths then....

Philippa Bond ● 3692d

Thanks for the info Philippa. I have already contacted the Forestry Commission, they start to remove the nests in July so if LBH are following the same programme hopefully the nests will be removed soon.

Lorin McCrystal ● 3694d

http://www.actonw3.com/default.asp?section=info&link=http://neighbournet.com/server/common/conopm001.htmInfo on Oak Processionary Moth.  Article on actonw3.com explains what LBE is doing.  Presumably LBH has similar arrangements. www.forestry.gov.uk/opmopm@forestry.gsi.gov.uk0300 067 4442

Philippa Bond ● 3694d

You could also try www.fixmystreet.com    It is easy for everyone else to see that something has been reported and to see updates instead of it being hidden with no reply.Another interesting website is: www.theyworkforyou.com

Philippa Bond ● 3695d

You should contact your Councillors.I love creepy crawlies....  but I would be very wary of these as they can cause lots of health problems.

Philippa Bond ● 3695d

They are in the main tree lined car park. The nests are in the lower branches, 2 within arms reach. Thing is these very same trees were infected last October and it took Hounslow Homes approx 8 weeks to remove the nests. I hope Hounslow Housing are more efficient. The Forestry Commssion tell me that the council should have sprayed these trees  in March/April to prevent further infestation. I've taken to parking in the bays nearest to the canal.

Lorin McCrystal ● 3695d

Ugh! Whereabouts on the estate? Makes me shiver just to think about them!

Marie Richardson ● 3696d