Hi Guys,
This is my first post on a subject about which I know very little, lasers. I would very much appreciate some advice and assistance with a problem I’m trying to resolve, hopefully with the use of a powerful laser.
I live near the coast in Spain and every year in early spring we have a problem with hordes of caterpillars that nest in nearby pine trees. These insects not only cause severe damage to the trees but also present a serious health hazard.
The Pine Processionary Caterpillar, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, is a pest throughout the Mediterranean. The caterpillars become a problem when they march along the ground nose to tail looking for soft earth in which to pupate. If they’re disturbed at all by human or pet dog or cat they release urticating hairs which cause serious rashes and eye irritation. Every year there are cases where pets have to be put down after contact with these pests.
My plan is to zap the pendulous nests using a 5W laser before the insects fully mature; so here are my questions: would a laser of that power be able to overheat or disrupt a nest at say 20 – 30 feet, if so what colour laser is best suited to the task and would it be possible to focus the beam to concentrate the effect?
I do fully realise the responsibility of using such a powerful tool in the open and every precaution would be taken to ensure its safe use.
Hoping that you can help and that I'm not wasting your time.
This is my first post on a subject about which I know very little, lasers. I would very much appreciate some advice and assistance with a problem I’m trying to resolve, hopefully with the use of a powerful laser.
I live near the coast in Spain and every year in early spring we have a problem with hordes of caterpillars that nest in nearby pine trees. These insects not only cause severe damage to the trees but also present a serious health hazard.
The Pine Processionary Caterpillar, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, is a pest throughout the Mediterranean. The caterpillars become a problem when they march along the ground nose to tail looking for soft earth in which to pupate. If they’re disturbed at all by human or pet dog or cat they release urticating hairs which cause serious rashes and eye irritation. Every year there are cases where pets have to be put down after contact with these pests.
My plan is to zap the pendulous nests using a 5W laser before the insects fully mature; so here are my questions: would a laser of that power be able to overheat or disrupt a nest at say 20 – 30 feet, if so what colour laser is best suited to the task and would it be possible to focus the beam to concentrate the effect?
I do fully realise the responsibility of using such a powerful tool in the open and every precaution would be taken to ensure its safe use.
Hoping that you can help and that I'm not wasting your time.
For those members who are watching their arteries a stick of margerine will do
