
By Chris Elliott…….
It’s that time a year again readers when the weather is improving and we can see signs everywhere of plant and shrub growth and along with this will be the emergence of many different insects and of course birds and animals that feed on them.
We are republishing an article received from KAR during January 2015 which highlights the danger from one critter we should all avoid and also ensure that our cats and dogs do likewise.
KAR Advice – Beware
Processionary Caterpillars
By Diana Peek
Kyrenia Animal Rescue (KAR)
BEWARE!! It is much earlier in the year than usual, but they are starting to appear.
One of our members was walking their dogs today (23rd January) and they are all over the place on Diana Beach. If they are there, then they’ll be coming out all over the place. I keep on about these every year, but please keep a very careful eye open for them on your walks and in your gardens, because they are very dangerous to cats, dogs and humans. They breed in cocoons and hang from trees (usually pine/fir) until they come down to ground level.
The symptoms are very obvious and animals need to be taken to a Vet immediately. For those who have not come across these horrors and don’t know what they look like, please check them out on Google, Yahoo or whatever, but please take them seriously.
The following video shows these fascinating creatures but be warned they are dangerous.and you can read more of the danger of these caterpillars by clicking here.
We have an infestation of them in Geroskipou. I phoned the municipality yesterday to tell them but this morning my husband took a photo of one. I am now in the process of emailing the municipality. Do you know if they will go and eradicate them? One of my dogs had a very lucky escape yesterday, he almost sniffed it. The grass around here has been left to grow to around 2 foot high. Guys came and strimmed the edges the other day so perhaps it has disturbed these horrible creatures. If you give me your email I will send you a photo. Thanks. Kim
Thank you Kim for your news and subsequent update which we have published with your picture in our article which you can read by clicking here