RTV Stichtse Vecht – Ecological control oak processionary caterpillar Amsterdam-Rhine Canal
Just like last year, Rijkswaterstaat is focusing on ecological control of the oak processionary caterpillar along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, Merwede Canal and Lek Canal. This is done with bird nest boxes where (great) tits can breed. They eat the oak processionary caterpillar and feed them to their young.
150 bird nest boxes
At the beginning of 2021, Rijkswaterstaat has installed 150 bird nest boxes at 7 busy locations along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. Quite a lot of people can have the last of the stinging hairs of the oak processionary caterpillar on those.
ecological control
It is known from various experiments that the great tit in particular eats and feeds the oak processionary caterpillars to its young. The bird nest boxes were hung in March 2021. After the breeding season, 51% of these have been successful broods. This is a positive result, given the short period that the cabinets are hanging there. The bird nest boxes have a lifespan of 10 years.
Warning signs
Rijkswaterstaat is certainly aware that it is very difficult to completely prevent nuisance this season, too, with warning signs along the bicycle paths near the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal where the oak processionary caterpillar is found. Optionally, you can choose a different route.