Our services
At Maydencroft, we have a plethora of knowledge and experience in tree pests and diseases including Oak Processionary Moth. As such, we can provide a wide range of services to aid control of OPM. First and foremost, Maydencroft can provide expert advice on the management and removal of OPM and guide you through the process of eradication.
If you require one of our services please contact a member of our team.
Contact our teamSurvey
The process of identifying OPM begins with a survey. OPM surveys can be undertaken at any time of the year however, surveying for caterpillars between April and June is the most effective way of identifying OPM. This is between the caterpillars’ emergence from the eggs and when they start building their nests. Once the size and stage of OPM infestation is established, we will advise you on the best course of action.
In public sites, we often recommend an Oak Processionary Moth management plan or suggest it as part of a wider tree management plan. This gives a structured way to plan for OPM management, including recommendations for future methods of control and how to alter them depending on success rates.
Nest removal and disposal
All our OPM arboricultural teams undergo a rigorous training programme to ensure they are working in the safest and most environmentally friendly manner. The training has been developed using our many years of experience managing Oak Processionary Moth.
Using specialist Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), our operatives are trained to identify and safely remove OPM nests. Once removed, these nests are taken to our depots in sealed containers before being collected by a specialist hazardous waste disposal company for high temperature incineration, in much the same way as clinical waste.
Pheromone trapping
We are experienced in undertaking pheromone trapping throughout the moth flying season which aids in understanding the extent of the OPM infestation within the local area.
Training
Our OPM experts are also available to give training through our Green Skills Training Academy on Oak Processionary Moth. Following our prepared syllabuses, training can be provided at two levels:
- Oak Processionary Moth Awareness (OPM) Training
This course is aimed at people who work with and/or responsible for others or the public in the outdoor environment.
- Oak Processionary Moth Removal (OPM) Training
This course is aimed at arborists, managers and operatives who want to learn how to safely remove and dispose of OPM.
Please contact us for a quotation on OPM training.
Spraying
62 species of moth became extinct in the UK in the last 100 years and many more species are threatened or scarce.
Whilst aerial spraying is an effective way of controlling Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars, it also kills every other caterpillar, moth and butterfly that eats vegetation contaminated by the spray. As there is no way to prevent droplets from covering surrounding trees, shrubs and ground vegetation, we believe that spraying causes more harm than good.
With over 2500 species of moth in the UK, they make up a significant part of our biodiversity and many other organisms such as birds, bats and invertebrates depend upon them for food. Our deeply seated roots in caring for the environment means that we believe it is time to stop the spraying and take a different approach. To let natural predators help us manage OPM whilst we learn to ‘live with OPM’.
Therefore, we do not offer spraying as part of our specialist OPM control programme.