engleski

OAK PROCESSIONARY MOTH (Thaumetopoea processionea) IN THE POKUPSKO BASIN FOREST – HEALTH RISK AND CONTROL

The oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is native pest in oak forests in Croatia. Its caterpillars will defoliate the oak trees leaving them vulnerable to other pests and diseases, and may cause decline of individual trees. The oak processionary moth raises particular concerns because of the potential risks the caterpillars pose to public and animal health via poisonous hairs that cause urticaria, which can result in severe allergic reactions, amongst other health problems. Control of oak processionary moth is carried out using mechanical, biological and chemical methods. In the period from 2017 to 2018, the Republic of Croatia recorded the highest number of oak processionary moth populations so far. The total recorded affected area of pedunculate oak forests in 2018 was over 7000 ha, of which 2173.31 ha was the area of the Pokupsko basin. Due to the significant damage caused by defoliation and the impact on the health of forestry workers, in 2018, aerochemical treatment of pests with biological insecticides was carried out in the Pokupsko basin. This method of pest control is often justified for the greater public good, including saving trees and associated biodiversity and protecting human health.

oak processionary moth, pest control, health risk

nije evidentirano