OPM Removal
At Treemedic Ltd, we provide safe and specialist oak processionary moth (OPM) removal across Hersham, Esher, Cobham, Weybridge, Walton on Thames, Thames Ditton, East Molesey, Claygate, Kingston, Wimbledon and nearby areas.
Professional OPM Nest
Removal Service
Oak processionary moth is a regulated pest that’s now established across much of Greater London and the surrounding Home Counties. Its caterpillars don’t just damage oak trees — their tiny hairs are a genuine health hazard to people and pets, which is why removal should always be left to trained professionals with the right equipment. Our team holds Lantra OPM training, so you’re in safe, qualified hands.
Whether you’ve spotted a nest on a garden oak, a tree overhanging a driveway, or caterpillars processing up the trunk, we’ll assess the situation and deal with it safely, with minimal disruption to your property.
Our OPM Removal Process
Removing OPM nests safely takes more than a ladder and a pair of gloves. Here’s how Treemedic Ltd approaches every job:
Identification and Assessment:
We start by confirming it's actually OPM — several harmless caterpillars and webbing moths are commonly mistaken for it. We check the tree for nest size, location and accessibility, and assess the wider risk to people, pets and other oaks nearby before deciding on the safest method of removal.
Safe, Specialist Removal:
Our team is Lantra-trained and certified in OPM nest removal, using safe vacuuming and bagging techniques along with full PPE, including respiratory and skin protection, to remove nests and caterpillars without releasing the irritant hairs into the air. Affected material is safely bagged and removed from site, rather than disturbed or knocked down loose.
Site Clean-up and Reporting:
Once the nest is removed, we clean up the surrounding area thoroughly and, where relevant, report the sighting to the Forestry Commission via TreeAlert. We can also advise on monitoring the tree through the rest of the season, since OPM moths often return to the same trees year after year.
Why OPM Removal Shouldn't Be a DIY Job
OPM caterpillars are covered in thousands of tiny hairs that contain an irritant protein. Common reasons to call in a professional rather than tackle it yourself include:
Health Risks to People and Pets:
Contact with the hairs can cause itchy skin rashes, eye irritation and sore throats, and in some cases breathing difficulties. The hairs can also become airborne, so nests should never be knocked down, brushed off or disturbed without the right protective equipment.
It's a Regulated Pest:
OPM is classed as a quarantine pest in Great Britain, with a Forestry Commission-led control programme in place across the established and buffer zones. Sightings should be reported, and management in higher-risk areas often needs to follow specific guidance.
Nests Are Easy to Miss or Misidentify:
Nests start out white and silky, can vary considerably in size depending on the infestation, but discolour as the season goes on due to faecal matter — by which point they're easy to mistake for old webbing or debris. Our team knows what to look for at every stage.
Repeat Infestations:
Oaks that have had OPM once are likely to attract it again. We can advise on a sensible monitoring and management plan so you're not dealing with the same problem every summer.
Why Choose Treemedic?
- Fully qualified, insured arborists
- Lantra-trained and certified in safe OPM nest removal
- Careful vacuuming and bagging to contain irritant hairs
- TreeAlert reporting on your behalf where appropriate
- Free, no-obligation quotes and friendly advice
- Trusted for OPM removal across Surrey and SW London
We treat every property with care and discretion — whether it’s a single garden oak or a row of mature trees along a driveway or boundary.
Request a Free Quote
Spotted a suspected OPM nest, or want a professional check on your oak trees before the caterpillars become a problem? Get in touch with Treemedic Ltd today for a free consultation and quote.
Call 020 3488 8694 or 07522 167 197, or use the enquiry form below — we’ll respond promptly to arrange an inspection at your convenience.
Treemedic Ltd – Based in Hersham, we cover all of Surrey. Give us a call and we’ll come and take a look.
For more guidance on identifying and reporting OPM, visit the Forestry Commission’s guidance on managing oak processionary moth.
FAQ
How do I know if it's oak processionary moth?
OPM caterpillars have black heads and grey-brown bodies covered in long white hairs, and move in distinctive head-to-tail processions up and down oak trunks and branches. Their nests are white, dome or teardrop-shaped, and can vary considerably in size depending on the infestation, discolouring as the season goes on due to faecal matter. If you’re not sure, send us a photo — we’re happy to help identify it before you go anywhere near the tree.
Is it dangerous to be near an OPM nest?
Yes – the caterpillars’ hairs contain an irritant protein that can cause itchy rashes, eye irritation and throat or breathing problems if you come into contact with them, even without touching the nest directly, as the hairs can become airborne. Keep children and pets away and avoid disturbing the tree until it’s been dealt with professionally.
Do I need to report OPM sightings?
Yes. OPM is a regulated quarantine pest, and sightings should be reported to the Forestry Commission via their TreeAlert portal. We’re happy to handle this for you as part of our removal service.
How much does OPM removal cost?
It depends on the size and number of nests, the height and accessibility of the tree, and how many trees on site are affected. We offer free, no-obligation site visits so we can give you an accurate price before any work begins.
Will the moth come back next year?
Oaks that have hosted OPM once are often more likely to see it again, as the moths tend to stay close to where they emerged. We can advise on seasonal monitoring so any new nests are caught and dealt with early.
