Benidorm undertakes preventive measures to avoid the appearance of the pine processionary

The Department of Parks and Gardens of Benidorm City Council has already carried out the first actions to prevent the appearance of the pine processionary plague. According to the councillor José Ramón González de Zárate, action has been taken in public spaces, especially in areas close to schools and parks and places where there is frequent passage of people and pets. At the same time, an appeal has been made to the owners of private land to act as soon as they detect the plague.

The first actions took place in October and November and it used the technique of plant endotherapy with products authorised by the Department of Environment, Infrastructure and Territory. “The work has consisted of applying four injections to the trunk of the pine to prevent the presence of caterpillars when they leave the bag” said the councillor, who specified that “what is achieved with this technique is to cut the biological cycle of the plague”. This technique has been used in public spaces such as schools and sports facilities.

Plant endotherapy is a method for pests and diseases providing nutrients in a precise manner. It is a therapeutic method of phytosanitary or nutrient treatments by which the product is directly injected into the vascular system of the plant.

This system stands out compared to traditional aerial treatments due to the absence of spraying chemical products that contaminate the environment, soil and water, they are harmless for people and animals and can be used at any time of day.

González de Zárate has added that this technique has ceased to be an alternative system “to become consolidated when it comes to controlling pests and diseases”. The councillor has added that it has numerous advantages such as “great persistence, zero water consumption, non-existent environmental impact, it is respectful of auxiliary fauna and has a widespread use for multiple pathologies”.

On the other hand, the head of Parks and Gardens has added that in city parks such as El Moralet, Foietes or L’Aigüera, action has also been taken by removing the bags  “to prevent the caterpillars from reaching the ground”, as well as on the paths and roads near places where people and animals usually pass through. The Council also calls on private owners “to follow the indications of the municipal ordinance, monitor their properties to prevent the proliferation of pests and act on their trees”.

Likewise, talks have been held with the Education and Sports Councils to inform them if they detect any new cases of pine processionary in educational and sports facilities or the vicinity “and that the workers can go as soon as possible to eliminate the plague”. Finally, González de Zárate wanted to clarify that a tree affected by the processionary caterpillar “is a healthy and strong tree that does not have other diseases or pests such as the ‘tomicus’, so it is necessary to act to continue having healthy specimens”.