Brown Tail Moth infestation causes concern

A hedgerow along Gunters Lane is filled with Brown Tail Moths, considered an environmental health hazard.

The caterpillars are dark brown/black, with red stripes along their back. Adults are covered with with up to two million barbed hairs, which can cause serious skin and eye irritations when dislodged.

Michelle Greene owns a property in Hazel Grove, part of the Redrow housing development parallel to Gunters Lane. The affected hedge forms part of her back garden.

She noticed the problem after returning from holiday in August, the time of year the eggs begin to hatch.

Michelle said: "I came back from holiday on August 21 last year and put my washing out.

"My skin and my children's skin was all red and bumpy. When the wind blows the hairs come loose and irritate my skin and eyes. You only have to stand near the hedge and it will affect you.

"I think the main concern is the health issue. I'm constantly coughing. This is a public highway with a school opposite. Children play and mess around on their walk home but they have no idea what these things can do."

"What bothers me is how many people walk on this side of the road who don't even know about it.

When hatched, the caterpillers spin a white silken tent or web to protect themselves through winter.

These distinctive white patches, which can shelter up to 2,000 caterpillers each, can be seen over a 100 metre stretch of the hedge, much of which has died due to larvae feeding on buds and young leaves.

David and Angela Sheppard, of Hazel Grove, also live by the affected hedge.

David said: "When this first happened, Michelle got in touch with the Environmental Health, who came down and put up signs saying the hedge is toxic.

"Someone was supposed to do something about it but when we came back from holiday in September they had taken the signs down.

"They're actually growing in size at such a rapid speed. In this last month they have grown unbelieveably. We think it's the heat bringing them out.

Residents claim that spraying, pruning and squashing the pests has little effect on their numbers.

There has been some confusion as to whose responsibility the hedge is.

David said: "At first the council told us it was our responsibility. There was a discussion with Redrow, who have now said they are going to cut it back and spray it. But we're worried about what's going to happen after that."

Angela said: "Towards the end of last year some workers went along with hedge trimmers and trimmed the sides and top of the hedge, but didn't cut individual branches with the white cocoons on them. The nests just fell into the hedge. This is a health hazard which should be dealth with first. We can worry about who pays for it afterwards."

Richard Parker Harding, head of environmental health for Rother District Council, said: "The hedge in Gunters Lane, near Poplar Close, is infested with brown tail moth, which emerge in the spring from their protective cocoons.

"This is the only time to carry out treatments, to irradiate the insect. The hairs of the moth can cause severe skin irritation, The moths must not be handled.

"The owners of the hedge and not Rother District Council would usually be responsible for arranging the treatment. However, to resolve the problem quickly this year only, the Council has arranged for a specialist contractor to spray the hedge on May 7, weather permitting.

"They will require access to both sides of the hedge if the treatment is to be successful. While the spraying is being carried out, the doors and windows must be kept closed and kept closed for six hours afterwards.

"Pets and people will not be able to use their gardens for six hours. Warning letters are being sent to householders next week."