Tree care without aerial product dispersion
Systemic plant-care: active ingredient injected directly into the trunk, distributed by sap to the whole canopy. No spraying, no risk to people, animals and pollinators.
"The silken nests of the processionary moth are visible in winter among pine branches: an unmistakable sign of infestation."
Biology & life cycle
Pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa): one generation/year. Eggs laid June–September; larvae go through 5 instars. Silken white nests visible November–March. Procession to soil February–April. 3rd instar develops urticating hairs (histamine setae) wind-dispersible.
Plane lace bug: 3–4 mm, 2–3 generations/year May–September.
Horse chestnut leaf miner: 3–4 gen/year, leaf fall in July.
Asian longhorn beetle: EU quarantine, 2-year cycle, attacks maples, planes, birches, willows.
Where they develop
Processionary: black, maritime, Aleppo, Scots pines in parks, avenues, villas, schoolyards, camping. Mediterranean and expanding north.
Plane lace bug: ornamental planes everywhere.
Horse chestnut leaf miner: throughout Italy.
Wood-borers: urban broadleaves.
Diseases & risks
Processionary — severe health hazard:
• Intense urticating dermatitis: vesicles, weals, violent itching 4–7 days.
• Respiratory reactions: rhinitis, cough, bronchospasm, asthma attacks.
• Eye reactions: conjunctivitis, corneal lesions.
• Rare but documented anaphylaxis.
• For dogs: tongue contact causes tissue necrosis up to total loss. Veterinary emergency.
In Italy control is mandatory by D.M. 30/10/2007 where presence threatens public health.
Cases in Italy
Italy:
• Processionary present in all regions except Aosta, expanding.
• ER records thousands of cases/year March–May for processionary dermatitis.
• Vets report annual spring spikes of dogs with tongue necrosis.
• Anoplophora chinensis: outbreaks under EU surveillance in Lombardy, Veneto.
How to recognise the infestation
Processionary: silken nests in pines Nov–Mar, defoliation, larval processions in spring.
Plane lace bug: silvered plane leaves on top, stippled black underneath.
Cameraria: whitish mines on horse chestnut leaves, turning brown in July.
Wood-borers: emergence holes on trunk, sawdust at base, drying branches.
Call us for a site visit
Every infestation has its own species, biology and intervention strategy. Don't improvise: contact us for a free site visit. Within 48 working hours you receive a precise technical assessment and a transparent quote, drafted by Dr. Marco Tarducci and the Hygiene Care team.
📞 Phone · 💬 WhatsApp · ✉️ Email — all contacts at the bottom of the page.
Our approach
Targeted endotherapeutic injections:
• Calibrated drilling (Ø 4–6 mm) with low-impact equipment from our lab.
• Pressure-controlled injection (abamectin, imidacloprid, emamectin benzoate).
• Sealing with healing plugs.
• Systemic effect for 2–3 growing seasons.
• Zero aerial drift.
• Phytosanitary licence mandatory.
Seasonality
Processionary: optimal treatment September–November and January–March. Plane lace bug: May–August. Cameraria: May–June. Wood-borers: spring.
Noticed any of the symptoms above? Don't wait.
Site visit is free and for urgent cases we intervene within 24–48 working hours. The sooner we act, the faster the resolution.
● Consultation request
Let's talk.
Fill in the form: a technician will get back to you within 24 working hours with an initial assessment and an indicative quote.
Via degli Artigiani 27
Via degli Artigiani 27 — 50055 Lastra a Signa (FI), Italy
