OVER the past few days I've been seeing lines of processionary caterpillars snaking along the paths and tracks near me here in Loubejac.
The warmer weather seems to have sparked them into life as they descend from their web like nests in the pine trees, heading out to track down more food.
Their hairy skin can be a real irritant, especially to inquisitive dogs, and the lines can can stretch over a metre or more.
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Posted by: Ian Gillis | 02 April 2010 at 21:33
It's worse: they kill dogs. I have those beasts around and burn them with diesel when I see them. If a dog gets their hairs in their lungs they die a painful death.
Posted by: Romke | 03 April 2010 at 07:48
Hi Ian and Romke, Thanks for both comments, I hope others keep their eyes open and their pets away from the caterpillars.
All the best, Craig
Posted by: Craig McGinty | 03 April 2010 at 12:55
A metre? You're kidding! I've seen them disappear beyond the horizon; well maybe not quite, but for several metres anyway. Ian is right, they can be fatal to dogs. Best keep well clear, or, sadly, squelch them under foot.
Posted by: J Roger Clifford-Banks | 04 April 2010 at 17:09
If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone!
Posted by: Me | 08 April 2010 at 12:37
There's a kinda ad-hoc programme of eradication for these little buggers.
In recent years and with warmer weather they've migrated further and further north.
If a dog decides to try and eat them, which often happens, the flesh in the dog's tongue dies, necrosis. The animal can't eat or cool itself (panting) and has to be put down.
They're awful little critters and the comment from 'me' above, well try telling leave 'em alone to your dog. Think.
Posted by: Rob(ourfrenchgarden) | 10 April 2010 at 20:58