Llucmajor Expands Campaign Against the Oak Processionary Moth

Llucmajor Expands Measures Against the Oak Processionary Moth

Anyone who has walked through Llucmajor in the past few days may already have seen them: teams in bright protective suits, yellow warning signs at park entrances, and blocked-off treetops. The municipality has launched its annual campaign against the oak processionary moth and this year has expanded it significantly. New on the list are, among others, s’Arenal, Cala Blava, and Badia Gran.

Why the campaign is important

The fine stinging hairs of the caterpillars are no harmless nuisance: They can cause strong skin irritation, eye problems, or even allergic reactions in humans and animals. Especially children and pets that often play near trees are at risk. Therefore, the treatment focuses on public green spaces, playgrounds, and areas around schools.

How it is carried out

On-site, small teams work with special equipment. In the mornings, when it is quieter, nests are vacuumed or the trees are treated professionally. In some parks you can now see mobile platform lifts and chainsaws; in other areas biological preparations are used. After the operations, warning signs are posted, and often a 24 to 48 hour access ban applies.

A neighbor from s’Arenal told me yesterday that workers had already started at 6 a.m. so that kindergarten children on the way to school wouldn't notice anything. Practically speaking, and honestly: nicer than later on the playground having to brush fluff from their shoes.

What residents should do now

A few simple rules help: Do not touch nests, keep dogs on a leash, and avoid playgrounds when warning signs are posted. If you notice suspicious webs on oaks, you should inform the town hall – the municipality has activated a citizen hotline and usually responds quickly.

The measures are not only short-term: Llucmajor plans to continue monitoring in the coming weeks and to regularly check especially at-risk trees. For many families, this is a bit of reassurance – but residents are asked to stay vigilant.

This is not a reason for panic, but for vigilance. If the teams continue to work as early and thoroughly as they do, autumn should be noticeably calmer – for us, the children and the four-legged friends.