Investigating
Caterpillar nests
Sent to Bath and North East Somerset Council less than a minute later. Council ref: 7557319.
Lots of trees covered in caterpillar nests. They are crawling all over cars and garden gate. Can’t hang washing out because they crawl all over that.
Updates
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Thank you for your report. The Cherry trees here have an infestation of Ermine Moth Caterpillars this year. The caterpillars are active during June and can defoliate the trees plus will cover the trees with a web as can be seen, their feeding and activity generally stops in July. They are specific to Bird Cherry Trees and very occasionally feed on other types of cherry but not other species of trees and shrubs. The trees are unlikely to get attacked again the following year, and the caterpillars are not detrimental to the long term health of the trees. As these caterpillars do not adversely affect plant, animal or human long term health control of the ermine moths is not recommended. They are an important part of natural biodiversity and provide food sources for birds and a diverse range of other animals hence control is not beneficial.
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