Estepona Concludes Expanded Pine Processionary Caterpillar Campaign

Estepona Town Hall has just finished its annual campaign against the pine processionary caterpillar, which protects trees, people, and pets from this common pest

Residents and pet owners in Estepona will be pleased to know that Estepona Town Hall has concluded its annual campaign against the pine processionary caterpillar. This pest poses a significant risk to both trees and public health, causing not only rashes but also severe allergic reactions in people and pets.

The campaign, which is carried out periodically, aims to mitigate the damage this insect causes to trees by weakening their foliage. The pine processionary caterpillar is recognised as Spain's primary forest pest, often paving the way for other opportunistic infestations.

Estepona Town Hall annually administers 2,800 injections to pine trees to combat the pest. This year, the programme was expanded with an additional 240 applications. This expansion included treating trees in Parque de la Hermandad and around the Cancelada football pitch.

The campaign focused on public parks, large pine forest areas, the vicinity of educational centres, and general green zones. Trees received three applications each, with larger specimens sometimes receiving up to five.

The treatment products are applied using endotherapy, an alternative phytosanitary method for urban trees. This technique has a low environmental impact and is quick, simple, and requires no machinery investment, leading to savings in water and energy consumption.

The most effective strategy against the pine processionary caterpillar is preventive treatment, which begins in early October. This treatment is a standard part of the annual phytosanitary calendar for municipal green areas. The entire protocol is managed and supervised by a phytosanitary advisor, who is responsible for developing both the annual calendar and the preliminary advisory documentation.