The 2026 campaign to control the pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) includes aerial treatments in various forest areas of the municipality. Following the approval of the Aerial Application Plan, work has started in the Pyrenees and is expected to reach Santa Maria d'Oló from October 26.
The exact date of the operation will depend on factors such as weather conditions, pest evolution, and the progress of work in other areas, meaning planned dates may be subject to change.
Promoted by the DARPA, these treatments aim to reduce the impact of the processionary caterpillar, which can cause significant defoliation of pine trees. The caterpillars, especially in advanced stages, have urticating hairs posing a risk to the health of people and animals, and can limit public access to forest areas.
The treatment will be carried out by air using an airplane, applying a biological phytosanitary product based on Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) through an ultra-low volume (ULV) technique.
