Spraying in high-risk areas to control oak processionary moth (OPM) spread

With tree leaves now fully emerged and the recent warm weather, we are monitoring cases of Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars in the borough.

Over the past two years, we have sprayed areas with high OPM cases, showing good results. We will continue these measures.

Due to high OPM cases on Claygate Common and Ditton Common last year, and the presence of nests this year, spraying will continue in these areas:

• Document

  West border of Claygate Common (PDF, 553.9KB)
• Document

  Littleworth Common-Heathside boundary (PDF, 711.49KB)
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  Area around Littleworth Lodge near Scilly Isles (PDF, 451.35KB)
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  Weston Green - edge of golf course (PDF, 418.59KB)
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  Path area between Sandy Cottage and Arch Cottage on Ditton Common (PDF, 608.38KB)

Spraying will start at Orchard Gate, Weston Green edge of the golf course, and in Littleworth Lodge woodland on Friday 9 May, and will continue at Claygate Common in the following weeks. Effective spraying needs to occur during the caterpillar’s initial growth stages, at this time of the year, and requires two applications 10 to 15 days apart.

Contractors use a biological pesticide that poses no health risks to visitors. For your safety, please avoid these sites during spraying. Areas will be signposted to minimise disruption.

Professional tree surgeons with the right training and equipment will carry out nest removal where necessary.

We are monitoring OPM spread throughout the borough. We assess risk levels based on:

• Presence of OPM in trees
• Number of residents and visitors
• Risk of exposure to caterpillars
• Vulnerability of individuals, such as infants and the elderly

The safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority. We focus on areas near homes, schools, playgrounds, recreation grounds, community centres, and car parks, where people might get in contact with nests. Infected trees will be signposted to keep people away.

We cannot visit private land due to the scale of the problem. We can only intervene on council-owned land. 

More information on how we manage OPM . 

Information for private land owners.