The processionary caterpillars have already started
making nests in the pine trees.
The caterpillars can be harmful to pets and humans.
For any newcomers to the area, and not aware of these, please read up about them and be very careful.

If you decide to remove them from your pine trees first spray the cotton like mass with hair spray this will keep it all together and stop the blighter's falling out and their hairs becoming airborne Then you must burn the offending branch with said bud intact. These are very dangerous to your dogs and indeed yourself if you inhale the hairs from them.DO NOT TREAT LIGHTLY THESE ARE DANGEROUS.

http://www.mythankyoupage.com/pets-and-animals/dogs-and-killer-processionary-caterpillars-in-portugal/



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_processionary

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Bunter...
Given the photo in the ice skating thread - how come you have a stock of hair spray?  I'm just asking!

Not always easy to reach.  I spray the nests with a hose and hope for some frosty nights.

I check all the pines on my land regularly. Not seen any until this morning. Two nests both of which have appeared in the last two days. So the little buggers are still laying eggs ;D

There are loads this year, and they started around a month ago, which seemed early.
There are masses in the trees along the sides of main road around Xerte and Benifallet areas aswell.

Still loads of caterpillars on the move.
They have found their way across the road from a neighbours trees.
Were on the walls of our house, bedroom window and front door yesterday.
Nasty b's.

Never mind the U.K.
Something needs to be done here. Really bad this year.

Has anyone thought about contacting Gencat about it. ?  The are probably aware but probably doing nothing about it.  As far as I can make out, they knew about the Palm Weevil back in 2005 but I can't see any evidence of them promulgating any information that might have prevented the plague.

We visited Portugal about eight years ago and the palm trees there, were affected and dying then.
Our friends there explained about the Palm Weevil.
I actually mentioned this fact on the Forum years ago,
saying that it would soon spread to Spain.
No one here seemed bothered.

other than cutting the nests, bagging & burning in a stove or fireplace what can one do?

when do they nest & when do they process? I couldn't find details of what happens locally

Nests appeared at the end of last year.  Around December?
The 'processionary' caterpillars have been on the move
for a few weeks now.
Hopefully the strong winds will blow them away?

They appear only to process on warmer days so this mild winter hasn't been helpful.

Thanks, how far do they travel from the nests? I other words if genre is a nest 1 km away are we looking at problems?
How do you know of you have missed them & they have already left the nest?