- Intervention in the summer is crucial to minimise the appearance of caterpillars in autumn and winter
- Calvià residents can purchase traps from the Town Hall's Environmental Service
Calvià Town Hall, through its Environmental Service, reminds residents of the importance of acting at this time of year to combat the pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopea pityocampa), a lepidopteran characteristic of Spanish pine forests (although accidentally introduced to Mallorca in 1942). In its caterpillar stage, it causes significant damage to trees and can cause allergic reactions in people and pets.
We are currently in the adult stage of the processionary caterpillar, when the insect is a nocturnal moth. Although it does not cause any visible disturbance at this stage, it is a crucial time for pest control. Acting now, during the months of June through August, drastically reduces the appearance of caterpillars in autumn and winter, avoiding the damage and risks associated with their larval stage, which is when they pose a public health problem.
During this time of year, the Town Hall is carrying out a trap installation campaign in municipally owned areas, although collaboration between public entities and private owners is essential, as the processionary can move from one pine tree to another without distinguishing between private and municipal areas.
Calvià residents and private entities can purchase traps to capture adult specimens of the butterfly from Calvià Town Hall's Environmental Service. These traps, which include a box, a plastic bag, and a capsule with pheromones to attract males, are recyclable from one season to the next, and the Town Hall subsidises the necessary materials.
The ideal time to place them is early summer, before butterfly hatching. It is recommended to hang them from a pine branch at a height of 1.50–1.80 metres, out of the reach of children. A single trap covers an area of approximately one hectare, so it is not necessary to place more than one in the same space. The Town Hall subsidises one trap per property, unless there is a justified reason, and reminds that it is advisable to remove traps during the month of October.
For more information:
Calvià Town Hall's Environmental Service
2 Major St. Es Capdellà, Calvià
Tel: 971 13 05 77 / medioambiente@calvia.com