MARCH IS HERE, AND SO ARE THE MOST DANGEROUS FURRY PESTS
The beginning of spring in Cyprus brings not only the warm sunny weather, the emerald green grass and the brightly coloured flowers, but also unpleasant surprises.
In March, there is a very high risk of encountering processionary caterpillars. Cypriots call these insects "martis",
,after the name of the month.
Interesting fact: these insects are called processionary caterpillars because they move in columns in search of food, resembling a procession.
Surely many of you saw balls of swarming fluffy caterpillars in the grass. Their colour usually varies from black to dark brown. These future nocturnal butterflies appear fluffy due to the fact that their body is covered in urticating hairs, which they need to protect themselves from natural enemies. These hairs are poisonous and easily fall off when in contact with any surface.
Caught in the wind, hairs can fly over long distances, causing itching, hives, rhinitis and other unpleasant symptoms. However, caterpillars pose the greatest threat to animals, especially dogs. be lethal! Therefore, you need to look after your pets, making sure that they don't accidentally lick these caterpillars. If that happens, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.
By the way, in Troodos there is a similar threat - the pine-tree lappet. These caterpillars live on the branches of conifers, entangled in their own threads.
However, they often fall to the ground, where they can be swallowed by dogs and other animals.
Therefore, in the spring, while enjoying the beauty, be careful and make sure to protect not only yourself, but also the four-legged members of your family!

Ok тогда трогайте конечно :)