Endotherapy: Treatment against the processionary caterpillar
What exactly is endotherapy?
Endotherapy or trunk injection is a treatment against the pine processionary caterpillar (pine worms and white bags) that must be applied every year to guarantee 100% complete protection.
This consists of injecting the treatment (abamectin) directly into the base of the pine tree trunk. Through precise injections and controlled pressure, it allows for uniform distribution of the product without contact with people or animals. This way, when the caterpillar feeds, it will die.
We do not use compressed air machinery that could damage the tree structure. It is also effective against other pests.
In some cases, biannual application has been tested, although it has been observed that this may allow the formation of some processionary caterpillar pockets.
When is it most effective to apply it?
It is essential to apply the treatment between autumn and winter, before the caterpillar enters a state of inactivity. From mid-September to early December.
When winter arrives, the processionary caterpillar stops feeding and begins to form the familiar white bags on trees. At this point, endotherapy loses almost all of its effectiveness.
The caterpillar then descends from the tree to burrow into the ground and form a chrysalis, at which point it becomes a serious risk to children and pets.
☠️ Danger: The caterpillar's stinging hairs can cause severe skin reactions when blown by the wind, and if ingested by our pets, they can cause serious injuries to the tongue and even suffocation.
What should be done if endotherapy was not applied in time?
If endotherapy has not been applied, it is still possible to minimise the risk by using collar traps that prevent the caterpillars from descending from the tree.
However, it should be noted that these traps are not as effective as endotherapy applied at the right time.
There are also pheromone traps, which are set up in summer to attract moths and prevent them from laying their eggs. They are useful as a complementary method.
We avoid less efficient methods such as chemical fumigation, which is not only less effective because it does not reach everywhere due to rain and wind, but can also disperse and contaminate the surrounding area, affecting neighbouring areas, pets and sensitive individuals.
Low-water gardens
Creation, design and maintenance of gardens
We listening to your ideas and speaking several languages, to design gardens that blend native plants with medicinal plants, creating a space that flourishes in every season. We also specialise in gardens that require very little watering.
What do we offer?
Spectacular, sustainable and easy-to-maintain gardens.
Use of native Mediterranean plants that are resistant to drought.
Application of modern techniques to improve water retention in the soil.
Design of functional and beautiful gardens that provide fresh food and medicinal plants for everyday use.
Clearing
Cleanliness, peace of mind, and security for your plot, building site, or garden
We remove dry grass, brush, and unwanted vegetation to prevent fires and pests and improve the appearance of the land.
Ideal service before summer or to prepare a space before building or landscaping. No-obligation consultations and FREE advice.
Contact usPruning
High pruning, sanitation, maintenance, agricultural pruning, and training
We perform high pruning on large pine trees and palm trees.
Formative, maintenance, agricultural, or sanitation pruning of ornamental trees, fruit trees, and shrubs. We also remove dangerous or dry branches. We use appropriate tools and respect the cycles of each species.
We take care of your plants so that they last a long time with you, as well as grow strong and healthy.
Contact usTreatments
Pest control treatments:
- Red palm weevil
- Mealybug or psyllid
- Drillers for oak trees or fruit trees
- Elm caterpillar
- Tomicus
- Processionary caterpillar
- Aphid