Urgent warning as plague of poisonous dart-throwing insects to swarm UK from ‘May to June’
AN urgent warning has been issued as a plague of poisonous dart-throwing insects are set to swarm the UK.
The toxic, stinging caterpillars are known to breed between May and June and experts are urging Brits to take care.
They say the oak processionary moth hair caterpillars are on a rampage across the UK, and the plague will only get worse as the months get warmer.
The insects are known for their "fire" poisonous hairs on their body and experts are now asking people to report any sightings.
Some 225 people were poisoned by the insects last year — four times the 56 in 2021.
They can cause nasty skin rashes, eye and throat irritation, vomiting, dizziness, fever and asthma attacks, experts warn.
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When threatened, the two-inch moths “fire off” hairs and they also can be carried on the wind.
While the caterpillars are nesting they create white, tennis-ball-sized homes that line trees and other surfaces.
These nests are most common during early summer, when they breed, and may appear "at any height".
The insects start breeding in early May and remain for one month until July.
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As the season progresses, thousands burst forth from the nests and cluster in groups.
They then travel in "processions" between the UK's oak trees.
The insects pose a risk to humans as they're poisonous.
But they primarily threaten trees as they devour any leaves in their wake.
Without them, they are more vulnerable to drought and become easy targets for legions of other pests.
The caterpillars can cause unpleasant symptoms using the stockpile of hairy barbs that protrude from their backs.
These can be fired in the direction of potential predator animals and humans.
If anyone finds a procession or nest over the next month, they have been warned not to approach.
They should report potential findings to the Forestry Commission's Tree Alert online form.
People can also report sightings via [email protected] or call 0300 067 4442.
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Much of southern England has been conquered since the pests arrived in London on a shipment of trees in 2006 — and the rate of spread is quickening.
Last year was the first the number of “attacks” topped 100.