Service
Professional processionary caterpillar control
The urticating hairs of the oak processionary moth are a serious health risk. We remove the nests mechanically in full protective equipment — without sending the toxic hairs into the air.
Why the oak processionary moth is dangerous
Oak processionary moth caterpillars are a hazard category of their own — quite separate from wasps and hornets. A warming climate is helping them spread further across German-speaking Switzerland.
Urticating hairs with a nettle toxin
Each caterpillar carries up to 700,000 fine urticating hairs containing the nettle toxin thaumetopoein. They break off easily and are carried long distances on the wind.
Caterpillar dermatitis
Contact with the hairs triggers a skin rash, itching, red eyes and irritated airways — and stronger allergic reactions in sensitive people.
The risk does not go away
Even old, abandoned nests and shed skins stay toxic for years. Simply ignoring a nest is not a safe option.
How we work: mechanical extraction
Unlike wasp nests, stinging caterpillars are never treated with biocides.
Full protective equipment
Our specialists wear a full protective suit, respirator and eye protection — the urticating hairs must reach neither skin nor airways.
Extraction, not disturbance
The nests are extracted with a specialist vacuum directly at the tree, so that no urticating hairs escape into the surroundings.
Proper disposal
Nests and caterpillars are sealed securely and disposed of properly — your garden is left free of residues.
A fixed price after a free, no-obligation assessment — for processionary caterpillar control too.
See our pricesFound a nest? Give us a call.
A no-obligation assessment by phone — usually on site the same day.