Re: Processionary caterpillars

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I'm new to this incredibly helpful list too. I live below the village of Gorbio, which is above the town of Menton in the south east of France, adjacent to the Italian border where I'm attempting to create a garden on a hillside.  First, rebuilding the drystone walls which had been tumbled by the sangliers (wild boars) and slowly planting. Like you, Jill, I too have both the excellent books you mention.

We too have these dreaded processionary caterpillars, in fact my neighbour's cat died from eating or licking one the other day.  Whilst I haven't seen any nests in the pine trees this year, another neighbour, when he sees them,  shoots them down and immediately burns them. Mind you, he's a good shot. The caterpillars are deadly to dogs and cats if they don't receive immediate veterinary attention and I don't imagine they'd do a human much good either.

If you don't shoot yourself - and I don't - perhaps you could ask one of the locals (I've yet to meet a French country person who isn't part of 'la chasse' and perhaps he'd come and shoot them down for you.

My  understanding is there has been some aerial spraying to reduce the problem in this part of France.