Costa del Sol councils expand pine processionary treatments as dreaded caterpillar season approaches

Dog lovers and parents dread the return of these hairy little marchers. Thankfully Estepona and Marbella have launched expanded campaigns against the pine processionary caterpillar, targeting parks and pine woodlands. Estepona has completed 3,040 treatments, while Marbella is concentrating on two of its busiest green spaces.

Known locally as the oruga procesionaria, the pest builds silken nests in pines through autumn and winter. Councils treat trees before caterpillars descend in their familiar nose-to-tail lines, when contact with their irritating hairs becomes more likely.

Estepona goes beyond usual programme

Estepona town hall has finished an enlarged annual campaign with 3,040 treatments across public parks, green areas and sites close to schools. This represents 240 more applications than the council’s usual programme of around 2,800 injections.

Parque de la Hermandad and the surroundings of Cancelada football ground have been added to this year’s coverage. Most trees received three applications, although larger pines needed up to five.

Crews used endoterapia, injecting treatment directly into trunks rather than spraying it into the air. Estepona says this limits chemical dispersal and reduces water and energy consumption.

Marbella targets Nagueles and Elviria

Marbella has intensified preventive work in Nagueles park and the pine woods of Elviria. Both areas attract heavy use from residents and visitors, making early treatment especially important.

Parks and gardens councillor Diego López said priority had been given to parks, paths, barbecue areas, recreation zones and dog parks. Teams are using trunk injections in high-footfall spaces and ground-based misting across extensive woodland.

Marbella’s misting equipment can reach 55 metres horizontally and 40 metres vertically. At least two applications are planned, with a third possible depending on inspections, temperatures and weather.

Benalmadena continues treatment

Benalmadena has completed 95 treatments this year across green spaces and roads. Its teams have used foliar spraying and trunk injections, removed nests and monitored moth populations.

Residents who spot nests in public areas should report them rather than trying to remove them. Councils say early reporting allows trained teams to act before caterpillars reach the ground.

Brief safety reminder

Keep dogs on leads near pines and prevent them from sniffing caterpillars or nests. Anyone who suspects contact should seek medical or veterinary advice promptly, particularly if a pet develops swelling around the mouth or tongue. You can read the full safety tips here as previously reported in EWN.