Trap for trees with a trunk perimeter greater than 130 cm and less than 280 cm
Trap designed for capturing the caterpillars of the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), specially adapted taking into account the biology and behaviour of the pest, whose control is of great sanitary importance in the Mediterranean region, given that:
- The pine processionary moth is a very common pest in pine forests and isolated pines (Pinus spp.) in southern Europe. However, it can also be found on firs (Abies spp.) and cedars (Cedrus spp.);
- In the larval stage it feeds voraciously on the pine needles, causing severe defoliation of the trees, which can lead to their premature death. On the other hand, the caterpillar is covered with urticating hairs that can break off and float in the air. The caterpillars may also accidentally come into contact with humans or animals. In most of these occurrences, contact with the hairs or with caterpillars causes problems of allergic reactions and urticaria lesions, which can be serious or even severe, representing a real danger to humans and animals;
- In this way, controlling the presence of this pest, whether in forest areas or in public / private gardens, is of special importance due to the possibility of serious / severe accidents occurring, thus representing a public health issue.
The trap for capturing caterpillars should be used to complement the use of the methodology for monitoring the adult stage of the pest (carried out from May to November), through the use of pheromones for trap capture. It should be installed from November / December on the trees where nest development is observed, since the procession of the caterpillars down the trunk occurs during the month of January / February. Its installation on the trunk of the pines interrupts the procession of the caterpillars towards the ground, thus allowing the biological cycle to be broken at its caterpillar stage, since it prevents pupation and the subsequent development of the adult pest. One trap should be installed for each tree where the presence of nests is observed.
Each PROCESAN® XL trap contains:
- Foam band: Dual-density foam band (polyethylene and polyurethane) (200 cm x 4,5 cm x 4 cm - 2 units), specially developed to fit a wide variety of tree trunks;
- Translucent sheet: Wrap / barrier (polypropylene) (200 cm x 10 cm x 1 mm - 2 units) that prevents the escape of the larvae;
- Reservoir: Tank (polyethylene) (18 x 8 x 27 cm) for collecting the larvae with a specific geometry to maximise captures. One main (upper) entrance and two loops for fixing to the tree;
- Funnel: Part (polypropylene) that allows the coupling between the different foam parts and the collection tank;
- Lid: Part (polypropylene) for covering the reservoir during maintenance operations;
- Foam wedge: Foam strip (polyurethane) (15 x 4,5 x 4 cm) that allows perfect coupling between the foam and the transparent sheet;
- Sling: Strap (polyester) (350 x 2 cm) with a metal clasp that stabilises the trap by attaching the tank to the tree trunk;
- Small foam wedge: Foam strip (polyurethane) (15 x 4,5 x 2 cm) that allows perfect coupling between the foam, the tank and the funnel;
- Adhesives: 3 double-sided acrylic adhesives (10 x 5 cm), developed for outdoor use.
All the components that make up the trap have protection against UV radiation, which prevents their degradation and allows them to be reused over several years, and they are sized for trees with trunks of a perimeter greater than 130 cm. The maximum size of the trap limits its applicability to trunks with a maximum perimeter of 280 cm.
Dose: 1 trap/tree (on trees with multiple trunks, a trap should be installed on each trunk/limb).
For trees with a trunk perimeter smaller than 130 cm, please consult the PROCESAN® trap, developed for trees with a smaller trunk perimeter.
