Denmark uses specialized vacuuming to control oak procession caterpillars

Experts are discussing methods for managing oak procession caterpillar infestations in Denmark. Claus Schultz, technical manager at Rentokil, explains that specialized teams use various vacuuming techniques to collect larvae. To prevent the spread of irritating hairs, these vacuums utilize specific filters, and the collected material is placed in airtight bags for destruction.

Other management strategies include using bactericides on tree trunks and deploying pheromone detectors to prevent adult moths from mating and laying new eggs. Bent Jensen, a forest and landscape engineer at the University of Copenhagen, notes that industrial vacuuming with HEPA filters is common in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. While vacuuming is an emerging method in Denmark, it is expected to see increased use as practitioners overcome challenges related to accessing nests in tree canopies.