Brown tail moth

This page is to provide advice and information on how you can help to prevent the spread of the brown-tail moth and prevent you or your family suffering from the painful rash that the caterpillars can cause.

What is the brown-tail moth?

The brown-tail moth is dark brown in colour with a dotted white line down each side. It has two distinctive red dots on its tail end, and the whole body is covered in tuffs of brown hairs. 

Where do they occur?

The caterpillars can be found on any type of tree or shrub, particularly when they emerge from their nests in warm weather. You might also see the nests in which the caterpillars live in during the evening, winter or in bad weather. These nests are referred to as "tents". The tents are formed out of fine whitish silk and may incorporate a number of leaves. A single tent can contain hundreds of caterpillars.

Should I contact the council if I think there is an infestation?

If they are on your own trees or shrubbery, it is best to avoid the area and contact your local pest controller if necessary. Please note that we do not provide a treatment service for the brown-tail moth on private trees.

For council trees within the borough which are hosting brown-tail moth caterpillars or tents, please contact us. Where they are causing a nuisance we will consider appropriate control options.    

Can I treat the caterpillar infestation myself?

We would advise that it would be best to contact to local pest controller, particular if you suffer from hay fever, eczema, sensitive skin or are asthmatic. However, many people do treat them themselves.  

What if I live in a conservation area, Estate Managed Area or the infestation is in a tree covered by a Tree Preservation Order?

If you have an infestation in a tree covered by a Tree Preservation Order, or in any tree in a conservation area or an Estate Managed Area, you must not carry out any pruning treatment without first consulting the Planning Department.

What should I do if I get a rash?

The caterpillars release hairs into the air which can cause a skin irritation and in some cases the reaction can be quite severe. It is known that people can have severe reactions, particularly if they have sensitive skin, eczema, asthma or suffer from hay fever. If you are unfortunate and a rash does develop, it should last 2-3 days. During this time it will be irritable but you should not scratch. Applying calamine lotion can help. Contact your GP if the symptoms persist for longer.