Despite efforts to keep their numbers down, there is a spike in the brown tail moth caterpillar population around every seven years. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0961153)

A LARGE number of caterpillars that cause some people to develop rashes or breathing problems have been spotted on L’Ancresse Common near the golf club.

An infestation of the brown tail moth caterpillars (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) developed near the green and tee on the 18th hole and in the car park.

The creatures are always present on the island in low numbers but every seven years the population can see a big increase.

The Environment Department and volunteers treat or cut down the vegetation where the caterpillars nest while they are dormant in the winter to keep numbers down.

But the head green keeper at L’Ancresse Golf Club Marcus Hamon said it appeared some areas had been missed and he had seen caterpillars in the blackthorn around the 18th hole. He said his team had sprayed the area.

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