Benidorm Acts to Protect Its Pines and Combat the Pine Processionary Pest

Benidorm, 02/10/2025 – In order to ensure the health of its iconic pines and improve the safety of residents and visitors, the Benidorm City Council has launched an important initiative to prevent the spread of the pine processionary. This effort focuses on a total of 4,000 trees located throughout the municipality, with special attention to areas near schools and public parks.

The intervention, which will take place over the next two months, involves the application of authorized phytosanitary products injected directly into the trees. These products eliminate the pine processionary caterpillars, preventing them from feeding on the trees' leaves and stopping them from weakening. Additionally, this action also protects residents and tourists from the risks that the caterpillars' urticating hairs can cause to the skin and mucous membranes.

The Councillor for Parks and Gardens, José Ramón González de Zárate, explained that “we are acting preventively, without detecting any significant increase in the pest in recent years, but always paying special attention to the most frequented areas, such as schools, urban parks, and other high-traffic zones.” He also emphasized that the workers carrying out this treatment are properly trained and comply with all safety regulations.

The pine processionary, a type of caterpillar that strips trees of their leaves and harms both human and animal health, is one of the city's main environmental concerns. Its fine hairs can cause severe allergic reactions, which is why local authorities have decided to act swiftly to avoid any risks during the season.

Benidorm is committed to keeping its parks and gardens in optimal condition so that everyone, both residents and visitors, can enjoy a safe and healthy environment throughout the year.