Pine tree caterpillars have sparked heated discussions in Cyprus as they continue to decimate forest areas covering approximately 90% of the island. For years, the country’s Forestry Department was spraying pine trees with harmful chemicals to manage the issue, but now only biological preparations are being used to try and stave off the caterpillars.
The problem has alarmed residential communities. A community leader of the Gourri village Kyriakos Rozos said he contacted the Forestry Department but was told they could not use spray near residential areas. He said: “The pine trees near the community are full of caterpillars and we are worried that the trees will die. The caterpillars are also very harmful to health. Last year, we nearly lost a lady who touched them.”
He was told he could try and spray the area himself, but that is a costly business.
He added: “To spray the whole community, I would need €2,000. A poor community such as ours, with just 250 inhabitants, can’t afford it.”
Pine caterpillars feed on the needles of pine trees. In large numbers, they can severely weaken the trees, making them more vulnerable to attacks by other pests or diseases, and to environmental stresses such as drought or flood.
The lifecycle of the insect, also known as pitiocampus, consists of four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), nymph (chrysalis), and adult (moth). Although it can contribute to the renewal of pine foliage, enrich the soil, and serve as nutrition for other species, large populations can lead to tree mortality. They also trigger skin irritations and respiratory problems in both humans and animals.
According to the Forestry Department, it is now the only organism threatening Cyprus’s forests.
Following international practices, the Forestry Department monitors the insect through a network of traps and carries out aerial and ground spraying. Other natural control measures include increasing the population of the caterpillar’s natural predators, such as certain insects, birds, and bats.
However, the problem cannot be resolved overnight as it is now so widespread that authorities can only spray specific forest areas. Aerial spraying is also costly and the chemicals cause further environmental damage.
During spring, new pine needles grow and the trees gradually regain their foliage, with the only loss being their temporary unsightly appearance and impeded growth. However, some may die due to extensive defoliation, reaching a point where they can no longer rejuvenate the following year.