OPM Removal

In London, and some surrounding areas there is an insect called the oak processionary moth and at a certain stage in its lifecycle it becomes a hairy caterpillar. These hairs are fairly long and can become airborne and if contact is made, they have the ability to cause alergic responses in certain people. This means that in some cases, the nests of these will need to be manually removed.

This should be done using an industrial vacuum cleaner, a portable blow-torch and the correct PPE including nitrile gloves, coveralls and a facemask.

The procedure includes, vacuuming the nest and all its contents (usually caterpillars), then using the blowtorck to burn off any remains of the nest. The contents of the vacuum bag at the end of the activity should then be incenerated. 

This seems a very inhumane way of dealing with unsuspecting creatures, however these were my instructions. Perhaps another option would be to relocate them, but perhaps the would then pose a risk to other people.

One thing to note, is that when in the process of vacuuming up the nests, the operative should always look up the tree to see if there is a risk of any travelling caterpillars falling, and if so he/she should be weary of this.