Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) Removal Services
At Chigwell Tree Services, we specialise in the professional removal of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) nests across Essex and London. The Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a serious pest that poses significant threats not only to tree health but also to humans and animals. Our experienced team is dedicated to managing OPM infestations efficiently and safely, ensuring the well-being of the surrounding environment and community.
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Understanding Oak Processionary Moth
The Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a serious pest that primarily targets oak trees. Its caterpillars are covered in long white hairs containing a toxic protein, which poses significant health risks—including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and eye problems. Contact with these hairs is hazardous to both humans and animals. OPM infestations typically begin in late spring and reach their peak in early summer, as the caterpillars form distinctive nests and strip oak trees of their leaves, severely threatening their long-term health.
Where Our Service is Required
Our OPM management service is vital in areas where oak trees are abundant, as these are the primary hosts for this invasive species. Parks, woodlands, and residential areas with mature oak trees are particularly vulnerable. These environments not only provide ideal conditions for OPM to thrive, but also increase the likelihood of human and animal exposure to the pest.
Urban and suburban areas with dense tree cover are especially at risk due to the close proximity of people, pets, and wildlife to infested trees. Our professional service plays a key role in protecting public health, preserving oak tree health, and mitigating the dangers associated with OPM infestations in both public and private spaces.
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Managing OPM Infestations
Chigwell Tree Services offers comprehensive solutions to control the spread of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) and safely remove their nests. Using industry-approved techniques and professional-grade equipment—including pheromone traps and full personal protective equipment (PPE)—we target every stage of the OPM life cycle. Early intervention is essential, as infestations can escalate rapidly. By acting in early summer, when OPM activity peaks, we help safeguard your oak trees and prevent the infestation from worsening.
The OPM Removal Process
Our experienced team follows a thorough and methodical approach to ensure the safe and effective removal of OPM caterpillars and nests:
- Inspection & Assessment – We work closely with local authorities and organisations such as the Forestry Commission to assess the scale of infestation and accurately locate OPM nests.
- Safe Nest Removal – Our technicians use specialist equipment and follow strict safety protocols to remove nests without exposure to the caterpillars’ toxic hairs.
- Ongoing Monitoring – To prevent future outbreaks, we deploy pheromone traps and implement proactive monitoring strategies to detect and reduce the risk of reinfestation in your area.
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Why Choose Chigwell Tree Services?
Expertise and Experience
At Chigwell Tree Services, Our team consists of certified arborists with specialist training and years of experience in dealing with Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) infestations. We are fully equipped to manage OPM at all stages of its life cycle and are well-versed in handling infested trees safely and efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to your environment.
Comprehensive Services
In addition to OPM removal, we provide a full range of tree care services, including tree inspections, nest removal, targeted pruning, and ongoing monitoring using pheromone traps. This comprehensive approach makes us your one-stop solution for managing OPM infestations while maintaining the long-term health and safety of your trees.
Local Knowledge
We possess in-depth knowledge of local regulations and maintain strong working relationships with local councils. This allows us to secure any necessary permissions promptly and guarantees all work is carried out in accordance with legal requirements.
Environmental Responsibility
We are dedicated to sustainable practices. All green waste is responsibly recycled into mulch or wood chips, and we take great care to minimise our environmental footprint.
Customer Satisfaction
We take pride in our customer-focused approach. From the initial consultation to the final clean-up, we are committed to exceeding your expectations and delivering complete satisfaction.
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