Biological control to protect pines and palms - Preventive treatment using sprayers

© Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali

As part of biological control efforts, the Department of Urban Amenities commissioned Bioassays France to carry out preventive treatment for the Principality’s pine and palm trees during June.

The treatment involves using compressed air sprayers (similar to paintball guns) to aim biodegradable balls at the trees that will protect them from pests.

Applying pheromones to pine trees overloads the receptors of male pine processionary moths. This creates sexual confusion lasting an estimated 120 days, which prevents the moths from locating and fertilising females.

The treatment of pine trees began on Friday 26 June and covers the following areas:

- Fontvieille: Jardin de l’Ane;

- Monaco-Ville: Jardin Saint-Martin and Jardin Sainte Barbe;

- Moneghetti: Avenue Pasteur;

- Moulins: Jardin du Trocadéro and l’Annonciade.

Goge palm trees more than six metres high in the Fontvieille district will be treated from 3 July. Biodegradable pine resin balls will have a repellent effect lasting three months and deterring predators, red palm weevils and palm moths.