caterpillar free areas in france spain or portugal?

[caminoman]

are there any other dog owners who can recommend areas free from pine processionary caterpillars? we had planned to head down into portugal but have diverted to the beach in Narbonne while we consider how best to avoid these. some people are more relaxed about this but we just dont want to take the risk with our dog. So were looking for areas with very few pine trees or open arid countryside where the risk is much reduced. We have done a lot of reading about this since leaving the uk and fear we may have to completely abandon our original plans for the next 6 weeks or so. Any practical tips about how/where best to avoid the problem would be much appreciated.

 

[iampatman]

Hi There,

I've spent the last 5 months in Murcia region in Spain and done a lot of walking in the Espuna National Park and other locations. Last winter I saw a lot of nests and caterpillars on the ground but this winter hardly any nests and no caterpillars, probably because of the weather conditions over the winter. I think also at this time of year the caterpillars have done what caterpillars do and there is not so much danger from them. Other folk in different regions may have a better idea of the situation where they are but if, as you say, you avoid pine forests I don't think you'll have a problem. Or if you do go to forest areas keep the dog on a lead. This is what you should look out for.

The nests -



The beasties -



Enjoy your trip,

Pat

 

[Canalsman]

I have spent the past three months working my way round the coastal areas of Spain and Portugal.

So far I have seen just one very short procession and took evasive action with my dogs.

I suggest you don't let the very real concerns affect your plans. Just be cautious and vigilant.

 

[Clunegapyears]

Agree, just be careful

We spent 3.5 months in Portugal and saw evidence of the cocoons as far north as near Braga, but never any processions, thankfully. You'll be stuck pretty much on beachs for walking if you avoid areas completely. And we, along with loads of others, are really careful with our most precious hound.
Enjoy this beautiful country.

 

[rugbyken]

one of the reasons we kept returning to le pinet near la marina was a sign near the salt lakes saying they had been treated for processionairs, beach to the front and woods behind kept my eyes peeled but didn't see any sign of them around this year, my girls a setter runs miles with her nose to the ground so the caterpillars are a particular concern of mine, loads of areas with no trees cabo de gate almeria and la isletta,

 

[caminoman]

thanks

That's helpful and reassuring. Great to get some feedback from you guys. Looks like we wont be heading back to UK just yet!

 

[witzend]

Saw a lot of nests while in Portugal I expect it's only now about time for them to drop

 

[Jo001]

I don't KNOW if this is right so check with a vet, but if you can take antihistamines for your dog, it can control the risk until you get proper vet attention.

 

[caminoman]

I don't KNOW if this is right so check with a vet, but if you can take antihistamines for your dog, it can control the risk until you get proper vet attention.

Yup. Got antihistamines from a French vet (whose dog got poisoned last year, but thankfully recovered).

We've just stopped at an aire this morning. My partner took our dog into a verge who did her business just a few inches from a procession. She didn't see them until then. So that's a bit of a setback to our confidence as I found them pretty hard to see afterwards, even when I knew they were there. What a pain!