Pest control

The oak processionary caterpillar is the larva of a moth, a hairy caterpillar that occurs in large parts of the Netherlands in May, June, and July. They live in groups and make webs on the trunks or thicker branches of oak trees. From their nests, the caterpillars go out in groups (in procession) at night in search of food (oak leaves). The oak processionary caterpillar can be recognized by its thick hair. The infected oak trees can be recognized by the specific nests: dense webs with shed skins, excrement, and stinging hairs.

Control of oak processionary caterpillars

In May, June, and July, oak processionary caterpillars appear in various places in the municipality of Aalten. The caterpillar has stinging hairs that can cause unpleasant health problems. That is why the municipality of Aalten is partially combating the oak processionary caterpillar within the municipality. We are doing this together with other municipalities in the Achterhoek region.

All municipal native oak trees within built-up areas, or directly on the border between built-up and non-built-up areas, are preventively sprayed with a biological pesticide. Exceptions are made for areas where protected or endangered butterfly species are present, in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act. The pesticide only affects caterpillars. Outside built-up areas, preventive control measures are only taken in school environments, cemeteries, building blocks, and busy roads/cycle paths.

Health complaints

The stinging hairs of the oak processionary caterpillar are the cause of the nuisance. After someone has come into contact with the stinging hairs, health complaints can arise, such as itching, skin rash, and irritation of the eyes or respiratory tract.

If you experience health problems as a result of oak processionary caterpillars, we recommend that you contact your family doctor or the local public health service (GGD). Below are the details of the GGD in Doetinchem:

GGD Gelre-IJssel location Doetinchem
Visiting address: Gezellenlaan 10
7005 AZ Doetinchem
Telephone: 088-443 30 00

Preventing nuisance

Discomfort can be prevented by avoiding any contact with caterpillars and their remains, such as released stinging hairs and empty nests. Health visiting (nature) areas where caterpillars are present, Health that your neck, arms, and legs are well covered and do not sit on the ground. If you come into contact with caterpillars or hairs, do not scratch or rub the area, but wash or rinse the skin with water.

Report

From May through July, the municipality of Aalten regularly checks locations where nests may be present. If you find oak processionary caterpillars in trees that have been treated preventively as described in the policy document: oak processionary caterpillar control policy, please report this to the municipality of Aalten at (0543) 49 33 33. 
The policy document can be requested via gemeente@aalten.nl.

Do not report other locations because they are not being treated.

Oak processionary caterpillar in your own tree

We only combat caterpillars in municipal trees. If you find oak processionary caterpillars in your own trees, you will need to contact a pest control company yourself. We advise you not to attempt to combat them yourself.

Possible nuisance

The tractor or car that powers the oak processionary caterpillar control device drives at walking pace and may cause some noise. Spraying must be carried out in relatively windless and dry weather. Spraying may take place at night, as the (weather) conditions are then optimal for control.

More information

More information can be found on the website of the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and on the website of the Province of Gelderland.

Are bees causing a nuisance in or around your home? Or have you spotted a swarm of bees? You can find a beekeeper in your area via the website of the Dutch Beekeepers Association. Click on your province on the map and then search for the nearest beehive in your area. Each beehive represents a beekeeping department. If you click on the beehive, you will be taken to the website of the relevant beekeeping department. Here you will find contact details for beekeepers in your area.

No bees, but bumblebees?

Are you bothered by bumblebees rather than honeybees? Then visit www.knnv.nl/hommels. Here you will find all kinds of information about bumblebees and advice on what to do with a bumblebee nest.

Rats are part of nature, but they can also spread diseases, such as Weil's disease. They can also cause damage to buildings. You can prevent nuisance from rats by not feeding animals and by disposing of your waste and food scraps properly. So, prevent litter too.

But do not feed birds (such as ducks) or other animals with bread or food scraps. Too much food is unhealthy for them. Extra food often remains on the ground and attracts rats.

You can also prevent rat infestations in the following ways:

• Store your pets' food properly. Do not leave food lying around in and around your home.
• Do not flush food down the toilet.
• Seal holes and cracks in and around the house. Health rats cannot hide anywhere underneath or inside.
• Repair or replace broken sewer pipes, downspouts, ventilation grilles, and tiles.

Controlling rats

Are you experiencing problems with rats (or other pests) on your property? If so, contact a pest control company. There are several specialized and certified companies that can help you. For example, visit www.nvpb.org/leden,, or the website of the pest control platform.

But there are surely more providers to be found on the internet.