🐛 When is the best time to treat the processionary moth with endotherapy in Catalonia?
The treatment against processionary moth with endotherapy is one of the most effective and ecological solutions to protect pine trees in Catalonia. This technique consists of injecting the product directly into the trunk of the tree, so that it circulates inside and acts on the caterpillars when they begin to feed. Thanks to its internal action, it does not leave residues or affect the environment, people or animals.
🌿 Why use endotherapy against the processionary moth?
- ✅ Protects the tree from the inside, without affecting the environment.
- ✅ Effective even before the pest is visible.
- ✅ Ideal for school environments, gardens, parks and urban areas.
The processionary moth is a pest that manifests itself during the winter, but its activity begins much earlierFor this reason, it is essential act on time, before the larvae reach the most developed stages.
🐛 The larval cycle of the pine processionary moth
After laying eggs (July-August), the larvae go through 5 larval stages (L1 to L5) before descending to the ground to form the pupa.
| Larval stage | Activity | Approximate months |
|---|---|---|
| L1-L2 | Start of feeding | September – October |
| L3 | Growth and formation of bags | October – November |
| L4 | Great food activity | November – December |
| L5 | Minimum feeding and descent | January – February |
The sooner you act (L1-L2), the more effective the treatment, as the larvae are more vulnerable and have not yet caused visible damage.
🍂 September and October: the ideal time
The best time to apply the treatment is during autumn, between September and OctoberDuring these months:
- The trees still have internal activity (sap circulation), which is essential for the injected product to be distributed correctly throughout the tree.
- The larvae have just hatched (L1-L2) and are starting to feed, which allows them to be attacked from the very beginning.
- A is achieved preventive protection which covers the entire active phase of the pest, including winter.
With a single application at the right time, the tree can be protected throughout the season.
⚠️ What happens if the treatment is applied in November or later?
It may still have some effect, however:
- The physiological activity of the pine tree decreases with cold (vegetative dormancy), and the sap moves more slowly. This causes product distribution is slower or incomplete.
- The larvae have already reached more advanced stages (L3-L4), and have already begun to cause visible damage to the needles (pine leaves).
- When they reach L5, they practically stop eating and are just preparing to go down to the ground.
For all this, although treatment can still help, it is preferable to complement it with other measures such as procession-catcher rings to prevent the caterpillars from reaching the ground and completing their cycle.
🌲 Processionary treatment with endotherapy: act before it's too late
The processionary moth can cause defoliation, tree weakening and health problems for humans and animals. Don't wait to see the bags: the best time to act is before.
With endotherapy, you can:
- Enjoy a treatment discreet, safe and effective.
- Protect your pins for months.
- Avoid future risks and inconveniences.
ℹ️ More information
To learn more about the pine processionary moth and how it affects our forests, you can visit technical sheet of the Generalitat of Catalonia.
To controlprocessionaria.cat We offer you professional endotherapy treatment with a full guarantee. Request your quote without obligation and protect your trees responsibly.
