Oil Beetle: Sun 17 March 2024

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)


author: WARNING DOG LOVERS,
they are back again Chiclana park this morning, on the picnic table at the entrance, all dead but no less dangerous.

They seem to come earlier every year!!! ****

author: eveb when they are dead still dangeres, just do not touch them ****

my brothers dog lost half his tongue ****

then the dog was very lucky to have survived. please be careful ****

I don't have a dog now but may I ask which caterpillars are these exactly and what do they do for a dog? ****

author: they are also dangerous for humans. They give you huge blisters/burns, they can also cut off the hair for protection.
Many dogs are missing a piece of their tongue or worse. Several deaths have already occurred. Be careful don't touch them,
and don't kick them to death either, you take the hair with your shoes, and you lose them all over the house.
Walk barefoot for once and they got you


i think they can irritate a dogs eyes ****

author: whole parts of the tongue and nose can swell and die, several dogs have already died, please do not touch them.

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently


author: Beware dog walkers in Pinar de las Franceses. An hour ago my dog & I were attacked by a youngish brown pit bull on Camino del Juerga/ Cmno las Gambias.
My dog has suffered bites to the face, chest & legs. Thankfully I carry a heavy cane on walks & was able to beat it off enough to return to my gate. If anyone knows whose dog
this is please pm me.





I hate to see posts like this is makes my Blood boil i Hope to god your dogs fine and these owners keep there dog in i have an américan Pitbull Cross and It kills me
when people look at her with fear and disgust just because knobs like this dogs owners do not show there dogs since pups to be sociable with people and other animals xx ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently



author: Ross McCormack Unfortunately uneducated owners lead to uneducated dogs. Ours was mauled to death by a American standford recently

Ross McCormack nice word uneducated ****

I was at the bus stop on the main road, and last week sounds like same dog came up to me and another passenger and was barking at us !!! It was frightening
because he looks really aggressive he was all in the road making people in cars swerve so something definitely needs to be done about him !!! ****

P E it might be this dog that attacked your cat? You need all need to report it ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: Warning to dog walkers in pinar de hierro!
Just wanted to advise anyone walking with their dogs to be careful - tonight we were walking in the part of the park that is now “privately owned”.
A while back someone fenced off one of the plots and put two beautiful mastins in there to guard it. The plot is fenced, but there are holes big enough
for the dogs to get their muzzles through. Tonight one of them managed to bite my dog, got hold of her by the ear and the scruff of her neck, and
pulled into the wire fence. Once the mastín got hold of my dog’s neck, the mastin locked it’s jaw. Luckily the owner was there and was able to pull his
dog away but it took a while. Scary AF with my dog screeching and blood everywhere - but there was nothing I could do from my side of the fence.
The bloke came out after- to explain it was my fault, the dogs have a right to guard their territory, that my dog should not walk next to the fence,
that my old lab had attacked his dog. I pointed out that it was pretty stupid of my dog to use her ear to attack his dog 🤷🏼‍♀️ So… please be careful
in this part of the park - most of the time the owner is not there… and that could be a terrible situation if it happened to a smaller dog or a child 🙏
(Peluche my 13 year old lab is feeling very sorry for herself but doing fine)



Seprona should be informed. A finca near my house has similar dogs. The owner was always very confident in her rights to have confrontational dogs leaping
at the inadequate boundary fencing. Suddenly, a huge wall & strong fencing was built in from the boundary & ‘beware of the dog’ signs placed at regular intervals.
Someone must have reported the owner. I can now walk that way again! ****

Perhaps report to Gardia ****

author: Have to confess my two were off their leads. But they very sociable, with no aggression. And well train when I call them. I think as you say,
it’s about knowing your own dog. I would never take my lab to a cafe - she whines the moment she stops walking 🤣 I was surprised how forceful and quick came
the owners denial of responsibility. Makes me wonder if it’s happened a few times 🧐

I have had several similar experiences recently with each of my dogs being set on. They are now becoming quite defensive, hackles up & warey. Totally out of
their natural character. Im sure we didn’t have this regular problem until the last year or so. ****

I am so sorry for your dog and you! Hope he is feeling better soon. We have been walking there last week with our retriever and the two dogs run along the fence
beside him. I recalled him and didn't let him near the fence case these dogs are more like Kangal and not mastines, so I was alert. But with a smaller dog..I dont
want to imagine. We now walk other ways around this area. But can somebody explain howbit is possible to "own " this place ? There is a camper, the dogs and the fence??? ****

author: I’ve been passed before and the dogs ran up and down the fence barking but nothing dangerous. Tonight was such a shock.

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: Hi guys, we have just come across this by our pool, what do suggest we do with it? Thank you

It's a wasps nest and fortunately you've got it small enough. Spray it and get rid ****

Spray with WD40 and that will go away. ****

Ben Walby: best to get rid of any wasps nests, big or small, during the day when the wasps are out and about (shopping, seeing friends etc 🤣).
As Ross McCormack says, little ones can just be brushed off with a broom. I use a superb product from Rentokil that is an expanding foam.
Spray from distance and it smothers the nest. For those who dont know, check under the overhangs of your roof tiles where they meet
the exterior coving - wasps love nesting there.

author: Thanks guys, hubby was itching to spray it

[loobyloo]

Mar 29, 2023 6:48:35 GMT 1 loobyloo said:

(on another local expat site recently)

author: Warning to dog walkers in pinar de hierro!
Just wanted to advise anyone walking with their dogs to be careful - tonight we were walking in the part of the park that is now “privately owned”.
A while back someone fenced off one of the plots and put two beautiful mastins in there to guard it. The plot is fenced, but there are holes big enough
for the dogs to get their muzzles through. Tonight one of them managed to bite my dog, got hold of her by the ear and the scruff of her neck, and
pulled into the wire fence. Once the mastín got hold of my dog’s neck, the mastin locked it’s jaw. Luckily the owner was there and was able to pull his
dog away but it took a while. Scary AF with my dog screeching and blood everywhere - but there was nothing I could do from my side of the fence.
The bloke came out after- to explain it was my fault, the dogs have a right to guard their territory, that my dog should not walk next to the fence,
that my old lab had attacked his dog. I pointed out that it was pretty stupid of my dog to use her ear to attack his dog 🤷🏼‍♀️ So… please be careful
in this part of the park - most of the time the owner is not there… and that could be a terrible situation if it happened to a smaller dog or a child 🙏
(Peluche my 13 year old lab is feeling very sorry for herself but doing fine)



Seprona should be informed. A finca near my house has similar dogs. The owner was always very confident in her rights to have confrontational dogs leaping
at the inadequate boundary fencing. Suddenly, a huge wall & strong fencing was built in from the boundary & ‘beware of the dog’ signs placed at regular intervals.
Someone must have reported the owner. I can now walk that way again! ****

Perhaps report to Gardia ****

author: Have to confess my two were off their leads. But they very sociable, with no aggression. And well train when I call them. I think as you say,
it’s about knowing your own dog. I would never take my lab to a cafe - she whines the moment she stops walking 🤣 I was surprised how forceful and quick came
the owners denial of responsibility. Makes me wonder if it’s happened a few times 🧐

I have had several similar experiences recently with each of my dogs being set on. They are now becoming quite defensive, hackles up & warey. Totally out of
their natural character. Im sure we didn’t have this regular problem until the last year or so. ****

I am so sorry for your dog and you! Hope he is feeling better soon. We have been walking there last week with our retriever and the two dogs run along the fence
beside him. I recalled him and didn't let him near the fence case these dogs are more like Kangal and not mastines, so I was alert. But with a smaller dog..I dont
want to imagine. We now walk other ways around this area. But can somebody explain howbit is possible to "own " this place ? There is a camper, the dogs and the fence??? ****

author: I’ve been passed before and the dogs ran up and down the fence barking but nothing dangerous. Tonight was such a shock.

author: UPDATE… found some deeper wounds this morning hiding behind her collar. Vet has cleaned her up nicely… not so beautiful with half head shaved 🥹
Tomorrow I’ll go to guarda civil to denounce the dogs/owner - hopefully they will take a look at the fence and decide if it’s adequate or not.
Thank you everyone for the support and kind words. We do have a lovely community here

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)


author: Dog Poisoned by the Diffuser
Saturday night I got home late and my dog didn't recognize me. Being a nanny I thought I woke him up and he was having a night terror. Sunday, he was still acting weird. I realized that I had been running my new diffuser and decided to turn it off. Sunday afternoon, he was feeling better.

Today at work, my dog sitter said that he wouldn't come out from under the bed. It was very odd as he is a happy dog.
I came from work early and again, he was very confused about who I was.

So I took him to emergency vet.
It turns out that the tea tree oil I was using in the diffuser is toxic for dogs. Thankfully the test showed that his liver was ok but we weren't out of the woods yet. He was given fluids under his skin to get the toxins out.
The vet and the poison control are saying that they see these cases often now that the popularity of essential oil is growing.
Please make sure that the essential oils you are burning are not toxic for your pets.
Here is a list of essential oils not to use if you have a dog at home

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
Birch (Betula)
Bitter Almond (Prunus dulcis)
Boldo (Peumus boldus)
Calamus (Acorus calamus)
Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)
Cassia (Cassia fistula)
Chenopodium (Chenopodium album)
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Goosefoot (Chenopodium murale)
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Hyssop (Hyssopus sp. with the exception of Decumbens)
Juniper (Juniperus sp. with the exception of Juniper Berry)
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Mustard (Brassica juncea)
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Red or White Thyme
Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Savory (Satureja)
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Terebinth (Pistacia palaestina)
Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Please share this story as it may save someones precious furry family member!
Credit to the Owner




Most of the essential oils are even toxic for humans. Check the ingredients first and don’t use in any case with pets or children ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: A Massive shout out to Clínica Veterinaria Agroconil. My Hugo, at the age of 8, had his first really bad bout of Shar Pei Fever which started on Thursday evening.
Sometimes it can just run it's course but after 36 hours of still not being able to use his back legs and not taking on liquid I dashed there this morning to speak to the vet. I couldn't
transport him there because every time I touched him he was crying in pain. She gave me two tablets to help with the pain and the swelling of his hocks that would last me until Monday.
3 hours later and he's had two hard boiled eggs and some kibble with a tin of tuna. Still not had any water but he's on the move and the swelling has gone.
Thank you so much for helping my boy today on a day that was proving tough anyway




Keep an eye 👁️ out if he still has not drunk water perhaps syringe some every hour dogs must stay hydrated,hope you feel better soon Hugo ****

author: He's much better now thanks. He's had another bowl of food and two bowls of water. He's now pacing the terrace as he normally does waiting for everyone to get home x

Hope he is ok. ****

author: He's feeling much better thanks. He's now eaten quite a bit and drinking again and has taken both lots of meds without any hassle. Now snoring his head off next to me x

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: Warning, I’ve seen my first nest this morning



I used to see them every summer in Italy . It was no big deal for Italians Had no idea of how “dangerous” they were . We were fascinated by them watching them with the kids .
No kid ever died but then again my kids were taught from a very young age not to touch caterpillars in general . Now I live in Spain and I do worry about my cats and dogs .
I don’t like killing anything . My neighbour has a pine tree and they inject the tree with something to avoid nests . It works
As for nests in the wild well I think those belong there and we shouldn’t interfere with nature .
i had 2 pine trees caterpillar killed my neighbour dog vet had to remove it tongue but still died cut my trees and used as logs pine trees have no fruit so useless ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: Seen Up on the hill in Chiclana park this morning..



What is it ? ****

author: processionary caterpillars building their nests

Hate these little u know what....cannot understand why these particular trees are protected they do nothing but cause problems....
happy to have trees just not these....anyway, have a good day everyone ****

I agree, but somehow, no matter how unpleasant the trees and ‘orugas’ are, it’s all part of the local ecological infrastructure! ****

I could be wrong but I don't even believe they are native....don't quote me on that but I believe it's true....also ecologically they
only have pines not leaves so we'd be better off anyway ecologically speaking ****

they are native to Southern Spain and Africa - bit early this year but it's because it's been so mild. Normally they get them in the
Costa del Sol first and we get notice but because it has been unseasonally warm we are going to get them early unfortunately ****

Same pinar del roche ****

I'm new here (we arrived Sunday) what's so bad about them, what do they do? ****

Beautiful pictures although I hate these monsters ****

Heard that the hoopos are the birds that can those critters. Is that true? ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: Have I left it too late to get a pine tree sprayed ? I one have a small one but noticed nests this morning



i think its too late ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: A reminder to all that the processional caterpillars are about. Saw loads in Chiclana Park this morning



Crikey, I was under the impression that they sprayed public areas? ****

Not in Chiclana it would seem. We tried avoiding the caterpillars last year by using the public parks, but no luck. Trees are still full of caterpillars.
It amazes me when you see trees full of nests hanging over kids play areas. Seems like they just don't bother here.
If you go costa del sol, all trees in public areas/ parks are treated. Not in Chiclana! ****

you would’ve thought it would be in the council’s interest to do so. Not only for locals but also for the visitors that they are trying to encourage to come ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: BEWARE : Just been to Chiclana Park, place is riddled with processionary caterpillars,
didnt stop it was so bad. Someone here had mentioned that last week… I’ve not been going anywhere near any pinos
for about a month unfortunately … beach only until they have gone ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: Hi..i have 5 processionary caterpillars nests i a tree in my garden....how can i get rid of them asap
as i have a dog and dont want to wait for them to come down into the garden...



When should they stop ... ****

You can order the 💉 on Internet. Should be done in October or b4 end of November. Works great. Too late now. ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: Mucho cuidado con los perros en Pinar de Hierro, está LLENO de gusanos!
Be careful with dogs in Pineapple Iron, it's FULL of worms!. (photo)



It's a caterpillar ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: Procession caterpillars in garden advice please?



Right now pour some alcohol over them to avoid the hair flying around and burn them good! ****

Spray them with a strong hairspray to stop them shooting their toxic hairs.
Wear long sleeved and gloves when sweeping them up.
Keep your pets well clear. ****

Lighter fluid and a match ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: When is procesionaria Catapiller season likely to be over?



www.healthplanspain.com/.../1027-pine.... ****

Normally until about April ****

Was in the park this morning for more then an hour, did not see them ****

author: I’m seeing them everywhere at the moment

Soon I hope, wary where to walk the dog ****

There is no set time...
Same as when they begin..
Changes every year...
We rely on reports from people to let us know ****

Be vigilant!! ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: Does anyone know how the current situation is in Chiclana Park , with the processionaries? Still there or gone?



We went today. Dogs came back itching. I suggest you stay to the main path and not through the woody areas. ****

We went too ...were i a que for hours ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: I have quite a few of these (photo) in our garden, crawling around in the grass.
Does anybody know what they are? Dangerous for dogs? Thanks.



The Red-striped Oil Beetle – Berberomeloe majalis – Aceitera can reach a length of 6 cm. The basic colour is black with a red or orange stripe crossing each body segment.
The Beetle carries the classic warning colours of black and red with good reason; it is not a creature to be messed with! If an adult beetle feels threatened,
a defence mechanism is to secrete an oily substance that is toxic, hence the common English name of 'Oil Beetle'. ****

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berberomeloe_majalis ****

author: Thanks a lot. But for the dogs' sake I better try to get rid of them