CM Oct'09 64+4pp 19/10/09 15:02 Page 38
Pest Control
Sucking solution saves trees
When Kew Gardens had a pest problem, it turned to industrial cleaning equipment
manufacturer Nilfisk to help hoover up some winged menaces, proving industrial
equipment is just as useful outside of warehouse walls
T
he Kew Gardens facility, in control methods for this short period is therefore critical.
Richmond Surrey, covers 100 Previous methods of control focused on insecticides which
acres of land and has over themselves pose a risk to both humans and wildlife. A solution was
2500 oak trees dating back to sought from Nilfisk CFM who worked with botanical experts at Kew
Henry VIII. The Oak Processionary to evolve a specialised vacuum control system.
Moth (OMP), native to southern and
central Europe is a major defoliator Bag it up
of oak and a constant problem The CFM 137 H Class, 110v vacuum was supplied allowing the
within the gardens. Populations of vacuum to be taken into the trees on a cherry picker. A short hose
the moth vary year to year and are means that there is no loss of power.
regularly monitored. A bagging system allows the moths to be collected in a bag for
The moth (OMP) gets its name from the characteristic way the safe disposal, the bag also acts as a part filter. The system is
larvae mass on trunks and branches and move in a nose to tail completed with a second stage star filter (PTFE) and a HEPA filter
procession (pictured above left). before the motor. The tiered filtration system ensures that no spines
The caterpillars have irritating hairs that carry a dangerous toxin. are exhausted into the air. For added security however, all operators
The hairs are easily blown in the wind causing serious irritation to the are equipped with full protective clothing and their own air supply.
skin, eyes and bronchial tubes of both humans and animals. When A thorough installation and training program was managed by Ian
populations reach outbreak proportions, the moth poses a significant Aldham-Breary, Nilfisk area manager.“Working so high up and given
human health risk. As a result populations across Europe are the dangers involved, it is important that the operatives are very
constantly monitored and alert systems are in place. confident with the product,” comments Aldham-Breary.“It is proving
Being toxic, it is imperative that larvae caterpillars are not handled; a safe and effective solution.”
42554 or
cleaning-matters.co.uk/enquiry
adults emerge and fly mid July to early September. The readiness of Contact the company for details, Tel: 01284 763163
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