Due to the density of Oak Processionary Moth cases on Ditton common last year and the presence of nests on site this year, spraying will take place on various areas of Ditton and Littleworth commons from 7 May.
To be effective, insecticide spraying needs to take place at the beginning of the season during initial growth stages. It involves two applications approximately 10 to 15 days apart.
Contractors will be using a specific biological insecticide which does not pose health risks to visitors, however for your own safety, we are asking you to stay away from sites while works are taking place.
We will try and keep the disruption to a minimum. We will signpost the spraying areas before works start to inform residents of any restricted access.
Spraying will be supported by nest removal, where necessary. In such case, professional tree surgeons with the required training and equipment will remove nests.
We will continue to closely monitor the OPM spread in all parts of the borough.
When assessing cases, we carefully consider the local oak tree population, its associated diversity, and the severity of OPM infestation. We assess levels of high, medium, and low risk based on:
- presence of OPM in individual trees or groups
- number of visitors in the area
- risk of exposure to the caterpillar
- vulnerability of individuals, such as infants, elderly
The safety of residents and visitors is paramount. We pay particular attention to proximity to residents’ properties, schools, playgrounds, recreation grounds, community centres and car parks together with ease of contact with nests. Infected trees will be signposted to advise people to stay away.
Due to the scale and scope of the problem across the borough, we are unable to visit privately owned areas. We can only intervene on council-owned land. For more information and guidance, private landowners can visit OPM.