EALING residents are being strongly advised to keep children and animals away from hairy caterpillars and their nests in oak trees.

The caterpillars’ hairs can cause itching skin rashes and other health problems, says Ealing Council.

The oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars could be nesting in some oak trees across the borough.

They have tiny hairs which contain a protein that can cause rashes and, less frequently, eye and throat irritations and breathing difficulties in people and animals.

The greatest risk period is May to July, though nests should not be approached at any time as detached hairs remain within them.

The Forestry Commission website has further pictures to help identify the pest.

Ealing Council is working with the Forestry Commission to tackle the nests and moth population in its parks and open spaces with a treatment programme for trees and nest removal.

The Forestry Commission says the caterpillars build their nests only on the trunks and branches of oak trees.

They are never found among the leaves or on buildings, gates and fences. They are only rarely found in other trees.

Anyone displaying symptoms, including skin or eye irritations following possible OPM contact, should visit a pharmacist, or call NHS111 for more serious reactions. Contact a vet if an animal is affected.

More health advice is also available from the “Insects that bite or sting” area of the NHS Choices website, www.nhs.uk/livewell

Sightings should be reported to the Forestry Commission, preferably using its on-line Tree Alert form available at www.forestry.gov.uk/opm