Led them represent a powerful ally in the natural struggle against the Pine processionarya highly harmful insect for human, animal and vegetable health. These small birds, in particular the Cincialeragra and the napare able to consume up to 500 larvae per daymaking themselves extremely effective in reducing the populations of these lepidoptera, known for their stinging hair and serious consequences they can cause.
The processionary of the pine and oak has spread rapidly in recent years, favored by milder winters and from climate change. These insects, present from January to July for the pine and from April to August for the oak, cause strong defaultseriously damage the trees and represent a serious risk for health. Due to their danger, in fact, since 2022 they have been officially classified as harmful species for man.
The solution? Attract the natural predatorsas it makes them. Different French municipalitiesincluding Nancy And Belleyhave adopted ecological strategies by installing artificial nests in city parks. This approach allows the toes to settle and nest in crucial moments, in particular in May, when their children require an intense diet, coinciding with the maximum presence of the larvae.
Fin can reduce the populations of processionaries even by 40%
It surrounds them, thanks to theirs behavioral intelligencethey manage to feed on the larvae at each stadium, removing stinging hair before ingesting them. Research indicates that the stable presence of these birds can Reduce the populations of processionary even by 40%especially in the areas near the occupied nests.
The installation of Nursees on an urban level and private is also spreading in other European countries, such as Belgium And Netherlandswhere the massive distribution to citizens has been started. Private gardens, public parks and residential areas can also contribute, offering safe spaces where they can find refuge and nourishment.
At a time when biodiversity is threatened – with an estimated loss of over 800 million birds in Europe in 40 years – enhance the role of natural predators How the cades becomes a priority for the ecological control of the weeds and the safeguarding of ecosystems.
