Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
In Marbella, deadly processionary catapillars are a pest that has returned with the return of sunlight.
In Puerto Banus, a chain of these insects was photographed. Their toxic hairs are known to cause severe allergies in dogs and humans.
These tiny airborne hairs cause severe allergic reactions, skin rashes and eye irritation.
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But to curious pet dogs and cats they are especially threatening – contact can lead to swollen tongues, breathing problems, necrosis, and even death if untreated.
The hairs are ‘ready to act as poisoned darts the moment the caterpillar feels it is in danger,’ according to Anecpla, Spain’s national association of environmental health companies.
They have appeared earlier in recent years as Spain’s winters are milder. However, March’s heavy rains kept them at bay.
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As soon as temperatures rise above 20C and the sun returns, they will descend in long lines from the trees to find soil to burrow their cocoons.
The moths are most common around pine trees and green areas, where they lay their eggs.
Marbella with its parks, golf courses, and residential gardens, is a hotspot.
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The destructive pest was already spotted in Alhaurín de la Torre last month before the rains came.
The Guardia Civil as well as the Policia Nacional both have alerts posted on their social media platforms.
When walking with your pet, be very careful when you see a caterpillar. The Guardia Civil warns: “This insect can cause serious reactions due to its stinging hairs.”
