image from Wikipedia of oak processionary moths being tackled in the Netherlands, 2009 (photo Pimvantend)
A recent press release on Waterscape.com tells how British Waterways is tackling the problem of an invasive non-native moth with a vacuum cleaner. Caterpillars of the oak processionary moth strip oak trees of foliage, which can cause them to die. They are also a human health hazard as the later stage caterpillars have thousands of microscopic bristles, each with a poisonous tip. These can break off and become airborne. The Forestry Commission has useful information here, with the exhortation: "You must not attempt to handle the larvae caterpillars yourself, or disturb their nests."
image of oak processionary moth caterpillars feeding on an oak, London 2007, from Forestry Commission
According to the press release the moths are nesting early this year as a result of the hot weather in spring. The "core" oak processionary moth communities are in Richmond and Syon Parks, apparently, and BW says it's taking action to prevent "satellite" nests from "taking root".
Where is this happening? On the Grand Union at Brentford. "Specialist workers" are hoovering them up in preference to using a pesticide.
Why are they called "processionary" moths? Because the caterpillars form long lines, or processions, as they march off to get their food.
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