Protecta Trap for Pine Processionary Caterpillars - Complete Kit with Collar

Protecta pine processionary caterpillar trap comes as a complete kit with a collar. This device, containing no pesticide, is an effective and natural means to physically eliminate these pests from different species of pine trees. Its mode of action is simple: a collar that fits perfectly around the tree trunk blocks the caterpillars' passage during their descent. They will then have no other option but a chute that leads them directly into a collection bag where they will be trapped and easy to destroy. Position this trap on tree trunks from January to March, depending on the climatic zone. It is suitable for tree trunks measuring up to 110 cm in circumference (diameter 35 cm). For larger trees, purchase a collar extension (sold separately).

The kit consists of:

• 1 tensioner
• 1 deflector (wide ribbon) in transparent plastic, length 145 cm
• 2 double-density foam strips with 1 bevelled side (2 x 65 cm)
• 1 caterpillar collection bag
• 1 pouch containing: 1 strap 2.5 m long + 3 'rylsan' type ties
• 1 descent chute.

For assembly, you can watch the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbfmG6ilsEU&t=5s.

Remove the collection bag at the end of May, for destruction at the pupal stage. Installing the kit does not require special preparation, except for trunks with deep crevices that the inner foam cannot fill. In this case, it is recommended to smooth the area where the collar will be positioned. In case of heavy infestation (more than 10 nests/tree), it is advisable to install 2 collection bags/trap to avoid any risk of caterpillars overflowing. When dismantling, wear gloves and a mask to avoid any irritation caused by bristles that may still be present around the trunk. Caution: stinging hairs are also very present in the final nests and they can retain their power for several years if kept dry.

The life cycle of the pine processionary caterpillar:

The pine processionary caterpillar is dangerous to humans and domestic animals. It is the larva of a moth whose Latin name is Thaumetopoea pityocampa, which feeds exclusively on pine needles, causing significant weakening of the trees. It is brown with orange spots and covered in hairs that secrete a fine, highly urticating dust to deter potential predators. Its adult form hatches during the summer, between June and September, depending on the climate. This moth is grey, with black patterns and whitish spots. Once fertilised, the female sets out to find a pine or cedar tree to lay her eggs. The most affected species are Austrian black pine, Corsican laricio, Salzman pine, Monterey pine, maritime pine, Scots pine and Aleppo pine. The eggs are laid in parallel rows, the whole forming a silvery-grey sleeve covered in scales, visible on the twigs or pine needles. Hatching occurs 5 to 6 weeks after laying, releasing caterpillars that moult three times before winter. The young caterpillars weave temporary nests where they spend the day. The larvae begin to eat the pine needles, initially quite discreetly, manifesting as the yellowing of a few tufts of needles here and there. The caterpillars then migrate in stages towards the top of the vegetation, always in search of food, each time rebuilding a new nest. These migrations are easily observable in fine weather, in the form of long processions that can gather several hundred individuals. At this stage, the young caterpillars are not yet stinging. At the fourth larval stage, they build a definitive, large nest, invariably facing south to store heat, where they will spend the winter. At this stage, the processions are nocturnal. In spring, the caterpillars leave the tree in procession to bury themselves in the soil in a sunny spot; they can travel up to 40 m to find the ideal spot where they will pupate before transforming into a moth when temperatures are sufficiently high. And the cycle begins again. Note that any plant growing near infested trees is likely to harbour pupae in its roots and contribute to their dispersal, as soon as it is transplanted or even moved during weeding.

To strengthen the fight against the pine processionary caterpillar, you can also apply a treatment with an organic insecticide based on Bacillus thuringiensis (BT kurstaki, serotype 3a3b), or install pheromone traps that will neutralise the male moths. Also consider encouraging the establishment of predators. The cuckoo is the only bird that attacks the caterpillars, sometimes even fetching them from their nest. The tit, on the other hand, hunts the first larval form. The greatest predator of the processionary caterpillar is the larva of a beetle called the great ground beetle. The adult, which lives on the ground, has wings with metallic green highlights. It is sometimes seen climbing up tree trunks to seek its prey.