Toxic caterpillar can cause skin, eye, and throat irritation
 |
| It’s thought the oak processionary moth could be in Gobions Wood Image courtesy of the Woodland Trust |
Notices have been put up at some entrances to Gobions Wood reserve warning people to keep away from a certain caterpillar that, if touched, can cause “unpleasant skin, eye and throat irritations”.
A sign, produced by the Forestry Commission England and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) asks for the public’s help in controlling what is described as a pest.
According to the sign, “caterpillars of the oak processionary moth could be damaging oak trees in the area”.
 |
| Warning sign at entrance to Gobions Wood Image by North Mymms News released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
The public is asked to contact HMWT if they see processions or clusters of the caterpillars in oak trees; or silken webbing trails or nests on the trunks or branches of oak trees.
 |
The oak processionary moth caterpillar
|
 |
| The oak processionary moth Image by Ben Sale released under Creative Commons BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons |
Visitors to Gobions Wood should keep away from the caterpillars and nests and are asked to call NHS 111 or see a doctor if they develop serious allergic reactions.
In April, North Mymms Parish Council (NMPC) cordoned off an area of a public park off Dellsome Lane, Welham Green after the discovery of the oak processionary moth caterpillar.
If you think you have seen the oak processionary moth caterpillar please contact HMWT on 01727-858901 or email at info@hmwt.org.
Your feedback on the articles posted on North Mymms News is always welcome. Please use the comment box below any news item to have your say. Comments are pre-moderated, so there will be a delay before they appear.
