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Take care in Collioure Processionary Caterpillars

Posted: Wed 18 Feb 2015 12:31
by Smiley G
We went to Collioure today and parked in the carpark at the Chateau Royale.
For the first time in all the years we have lived here, we were aghast at the number of different trails of processionary caterpillars in the
car park. We had to lift our dog to prevent contact!!

I think that they cannot have treated the pine trees last autumn as we have never seen the caterpillars in this car park before.

Not sure if they are poisonous to children, but if you go there with a dog, be very careful.

Posted: Wed 18 Feb 2015 13:26
by Kate
I think they can set off an alergic reaction in both dogs and humans if the hairs are ingested. I love animals - but am prepared to make an exception for these wriggly little fellas!

I wonder if the mild winter will be resonsible for more of them (and other creepy crawlies) invading the PO this spring.

http://www.anglophone-direct.com/Pine-P ... terpillars?

Posted: Wed 18 Feb 2015 14:00
by opas
I had heard about the catapillars but did not really beleive what they could do, untill i arrived at work one day about 6 years ago, the little girl who i taught English to was covered in wealts, red marks and swollen. the day before they had been to Colioure with her Mum and grandma, they had been 'attacked' by the catapillars dropping out of the trees. Fortunatly mus is a doctor and had her bag in the boot of the car, she administered a drug( addrenelin?) and they were reasonably ok, but still red and swollen;


http://forum.anglophone-direct.com/seto ... atapillars

Posted: Wed 18 Feb 2015 14:26
by CPB
The carpark at the castle in collioure was the first time I saw them in procession, in this area. We have only been in this area/coming here for 3 years and I've seen them on mass there every year by far worse than anywhere else. I agreed it's quite dangerous, it's like a minefield walking through there when they are all on the move.

Posted: Wed 18 Feb 2015 16:15
by sue and paul
I soon discovered that I am very susceptible to the processionary caterpillars. You don't have to touch the blighters. The hairs might just be in the air. I think they also transmit pheromones. NEVER go near them. In fact, if they are in a public place, it is worth going to complain to the mairie, as they may still be able to act against them this season. Ideally they should have sprayed the trees in the autumn