Dangerous processionary caterpillars on the move
The recent warm weather has drawn out the pine processionary caterpillars. They've already been spotted in many parts of southern France, so please be vigilant and take precautions.
They're found in nests in pine trees that look like large webbed material clumped into a cotton wool-like 'tents'. Once the weather warms up, they start making they way down the tree trunks and on to land for sunnier spots.
They're often found crawling in a procession (hence the name) and there can be hundreds in one line. This is when you need to be the most careful, they pose a real danger to children and pets. The 'hairs' covering them are an extreme irritant and can cause severe asthma attacks, allergic reactions and necrotising fasciitis. There are many cases of dogs being caught out on walks, so please be very wary, especially in or around pine forests.
