The well-known pine caterpillar is the most important enemy of pines and especially of smaller trees as it can cause their complete drying. The scientific name of the insect is Thaumetopoea pityocampa. Infects only pines and some species of cedar.
What damage does it cause?
The damage it causes to the pines is mainly of an aesthetic nature, while at the same time it reduces the annual growth of the leaf surface of the pines by 20-45%. The foliage is gradually destroyed and in some cases can lead to the complete drying of the tree. In addition to damaging pine trees, it causes allergies in humans through hair that they shed when they feel threatened, which contain allergens. In contact with the skin it causes intense itching, dermatitis, eye irritation, tearing, etc. Finally, the presence in our garden of pines with cocoons and minimal foliage is quite unsightly.
Tackle
They are controlled either biologically or chemically. You can spray with a bacterial-based biological insecticide Bacillus thurigiensis early-mid-September and repeated 2-3 weeks later. If we delay the operation, we will not be successful since the bacillus is not very effective in large caterpillars. The spray to control the pine caterpillar should cover the entire leaf surface of the trees and be done late at dusk.
Pheromone traps can also be used to attract and trap males in an area to stop mating. Finally, the caterpillar can be treated with the use of appropriate chemicals that are available in agricultural stores.
