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The processionary Of the pine
In its early days, FitoStinger focused on a single pest: the pine processionary caterpillar. Since then, environmental protection has been a guiding principle in all its treatments . Therefore, from its inception, it has persevered in localized applications using drones.
How do we carry out the treatments against the Pine Processionary?
As in the rest of the pests that we treat, we use all the tools and possibilities that are available to us to combat pests. And when the possibilities of manual treatment disappear, the use of our drones allows us to reach impossible areas.
For this purpose, they are equipped with an injector arm , patented by us.
Therefore, the drone precisely approaches each nest and applies the phytosanitary product surgically , injecting it inside (no more than two simple drops, which are sufficient) and eradicating all its hosts almost immediately . This prevents the caterpillars from having time to emerge , as happens with other treatments based on impregnating the nest (spraying), and thus fall to the ground; which would still pose a danger to people and animals.
Advantages of the drone
We prevent the caterpillars from having time to come out , as happens with other treatments based on impregnation of the nest (spraying), and therefore fall to the ground ; which would still pose a danger to people and animals.
By treating nest by nest, we ensure that the caterpillars of each one of them do not descend from the tree, as part of their natural process with the increase in temperatures at the end of winter and therefore, we cut that cycle.
By not reaching the ground, at which point they are more dangerous for living beings and burrow to build their cocoon and be new butterflies in the following season.
In this way we protect the trees in the area for the following season, due to the lower presence of butterflies and therefore less spawning.
Efficacy of the treatment against the Pine Processionary
It's best to treat the nests in their early stages to prevent them from collapsing under their own weight once the caterpillars grow. The pesticide is also faster and more effective at this stage, as the caterpillars are still developing and therefore not as strong. However, our system eliminates all infestations, even in their most advanced stages.
Our drone evolves day by day, improving its navigation and artificial vision system , to detect nests automatically (artificial vision) through its cameras and various sensors and thus carry out the application autonomously.
Urticaria
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Urticaria
Defoliation
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Defoliation
Necrosis
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Necrosis
- Severe allergic skin reactions
- Serious mucosal allergic reactions that can trigger death from anaphylactic shock
- Severe damage to the mouth of animals if they come into contact, which can cause necrosis on the tongue.
- Serious defoliation of the pine, being able to kill the youngest specimens.
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High risk for children in recreational and school areas
- Significant fire risk in defoliated areas, and much higher if it coincides with a dry period.
What is the pine processionary and what effects does it produce?
The pine processionary caterpillar ( Thaumetopoea pityocampa ) is a species of defoliating lepidopteran . It is abundant in pine forests of Southern Europe and South America, although climate change is favoring its expansion into all European countries, including central ones.
It is considered the most important defoliator insect in pine forests. It can feed on all species of the genus Pinus, Cedrus and Abies, but they prefer exotic pines and, especially, the black or black pine.
Injuries caused by the pine processionary
The caterpillars (larvae) are covered in stinging hairs that detach and float in the air, which can cause irritation to the ears, nose, and throat in humans , as well as intense allergic reactions, as with the Asian hornet , which in the most severe cases can lead to death . The substance that gives them this stinging ability is a heat-labile toxin called Thaumatopin.
In domestic animals , if it comes into contact with the animal's tongue, it can lead to necrosis of the tongue, and may even cause death.
But the most severely affected are the pine trees and the surrounding area. Severe defoliation weakens their entire structure, and younger pines can even die. This extensive defoliation, especially when combined with a potential drought, can make the area susceptible to fire due to the dryness of the trees, potentially leading to the deforestation of large swathes.
Video showing the evolution of the different versions of the FitoStinger drone and how it works.
- Possible death of other species if spraying or misting methods are used, such as spray guns or helicopters / light aircraft
- Quarantine of the treated area if methods are used by spraying or misting, by the fall of specimens to the ground and by the dispersion of the applied product
- Significant economic damage in activities such as forestry
- Serious defoliation of the pine, being able to kill the youngest.
- Image damage for the councils or managers of affected areas
- Danger of deforestation of the burned areas and whose defoliation has favored these fires
