Pine Processionary Warning

• Pine processionary is a moth feeding on pine trees. Contact with the caterpillar can cause burns and itches in the skin.
• The caterpillars descend from the trees in procession to pupate in the ground. This year's descent has already began and will continue until early may.
• The remains of the nests on the trees can fall apart and spread burning hairs. 
• Travelers should note warning signs in the forests and avoid contact with the caterpillars and the nests.

Contact with the caterpillar can lead to an allergic reaction of itching and/or rash or a burning feeling in the eyes. In case of contact, the infected area should be washed and medical treatment is needed.

KKL-JNF is aware of the danger that this pest poses in the forest, and every year it takes steps to handle the problem. Special attention is devoted to crowded sites as recreation areas and forests where there is a high presence of the caterpillar.

The KKL-JNF foresters check for signs of the pest each year in November, and spray against it in December, usually with biological materials that are eco-friendly and are not harmful.

The volume of pest infestation cannot be predicted, and can only be fully observed during January.

In 2016, the overall territory in which the pest was observed was above and beyond that of the previous years, and reports of injuries were also of high volume. For this reason, KKL-JNF doubled the extent of sprayed forests.

KKL-JNF continues to take action against the pest, whenever it is necessary in crowded sites, to ensure the safety of the visitors.

While traveling in the forests - avoid contact with the pest!
Do not touch caterpillars and nests.
Avoid staying under trees with nests. Infected trees will have few leaves and a large number of hairy nests between their branches.