Andorra Forest Councils Launch Aerial Moth Treatment Across All Parishes
Forest councils in Andorra initiate a helicopter-based campaign next week using an EC-approved biological agent to control pine processionary moths. The treatment spans all parishes, prioritizing outbreak areas while ensuring safety for public activities.
Key Points
- Targets 1,000 hectares (25% of habitat) in active pine processionary moth outbreak zones
- Uses safe Bacillus thuringiensis applied by helicopters, no protective measures needed
- Scheduled from Sept 21-26: Encamp/Canillo/Escaldes-Engordany first, then Ordino, La Massana, Andorra la Vella, Sant Julià
- Yearly effort to maintain low infestation and prevent winter-spring expansion
Andorra's forest councils will launch an aerial treatment campaign next week to curb pine processionary moth populations in wooded areas across all parishes. The effort targets active outbreak zones identified this year, covering about 1,000 hectares—around 25% of the insect's natural habitat—and uses Bacillus thuringiensis, a European Commission-approved biological agent safe for people and animals.
No protective measures are needed, and outdoor activities can proceed as usual. Helicopters will apply the treatment, with schedules subject to weather changes: Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany and Canillo on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 September; Ordino on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 September; La Massana from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 25 September; Andorra la Vella from Wednesday 24 to Friday 26 September; and Sant Julià de Lòria on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 September.
The councils coordinate yearly on forest management, running several monitoring and treatment cycles per season to limit the caterpillar's effects, which intensify in spring as larvae descend from trees. This campaign aims to sustain current low infestation levels and prevent expansion over winter and spring.
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