Oak processionary moth pheromone

Pheromone against the oak processionary moth

The oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a nocturnal moth that lays its eggs on oak trees. The caterpillars, which are silver-grey in colour and covered with long hairs, build a silk cocoon lined with stinging hairs to protect themselves from predators during the day, and come out at night to eat the leaves.

How does it work?

At breeding time, female moths secrete a pheromone to attract males. This same pheromone is contained in the capsules. Placed in the trap, the pheromone capsule attracts and captures the males, preventing reproduction from taking place, as well as egg-laying and, subsequently, a new generation of devastating caterpillars.

Use

Open the sachet and place the pheromone in the trap’s collection basket (warning: once opened, the capsule must be used quickly). Then place the trap on the trees to be protected. Use one trap per tree for an isolated tree, one for every three trees for fairly grouped trees, and one trap every 25 m for a high density of trees.

Tips and storage

• use a moth trap
• do not touch the capsules with your fingers
• use only one pheromone per trap
• the pheromone is effective for 4 to 6 weeks
• the sachet can be stored for up to 2 years in the freezer

Recommended period of use:

July to September