Verge management and oak processionary caterpillar
We expect another nuisance from the oak processionary caterpillar this year. The tiny burning hairs of the caterpillar cause irritation to the skin and eyes. In May and June the caterpillar is fully grown and the nuisance is greatest. Even in the following months, people who are sensitive to it may experience nuisance.
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Ecological roadsides in the outlying area
The municipality of Opsterland wants to further stimulate biodiversity. Therefore, we manage the roadsides in the outlying area ecologically. In practice, this means that these roadsides are only mowed once a year. This was already the case for most roadsides, but now it applies to all roadsides outside the built-up areas.
By only mowing once more, different herbs are given time and opportunity to grow and bloom. This makes more food available for insects such as bees and butterflies. In addition, a sheltered environment exists in the roadsides for other insects such as grasshoppers and beetles. These insects, in turn, are a good food source for various birds, bats and amphibians.
Flowery roadsides do not happen overnight. It is a process of several years in which the system must be given time to adapt. In some places this takes a little longer and in the first few years mainly grasses and herbs are visible. In other places this can happen quickly and we will already observe more biodiversity and flowers this year.
Oak Processionary Moth
To prevent this nuisance, we control the caterpillar. This is done in several ways. In the spring, nests are sprayed to prevent the caterpillars from hatching. The caterpillars that do emerge in the spring and summer are removed as soon as they form nests. Due to the vastness of our municipality, it is not feasible to remove all nests. Therefore, we choose to control as much as possible at risk locations. These include busy bicycle routes and around schools, day-care centers and nursing homes.
