Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what research they are supporting into the options for introducing parasites and diseases of oak processionary moth into the UK as an alternative to the use of sprays that kill all lepidoptera larvae.

Government is actively supporting research into alternative control methods for Oak Processionary Moth (OPM). This research aims to minimise or avoid the use of chemical sprays that can have negative impacts on other species, and is exploring nature-based management solutions, mating disruption and biopesticides.

Research has shown that there are at least five species which parasitise OPM in its natural range abroad. One of these species, Carcelia iliaca, has been naturally established in the UK since 2015, and is found commonly associated with OPM here. Current research is looking at ways to manage habitats to increase populations of C. iliaca and other natural predators.