Pixies Place Forums - Sex trick keeps moth numbers down

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The caterpillar's hairs can cause health problems
An invasion of moths has been stemmed after experts tricked them into being attracted to the same sex.

The Brown Tailed Moths and their larvae had multiplied in such numbers they were causing problems for lifeboatmen at Spurn Point on the Humber Estuary.

The men were developing rashes and breathing problems from poisonous barbs from the larvae blown in the wind.

Now scientists are using a powder which spreads female pheromones and confuses male moths, slowing the breeding.

The powder is left near breeding grounds and when larvae hatch they are coated in it.

Other male moths are then tempted naturally to make contact with them, believing they are female.

As a result of the deception, numbers are dwindling.

Andrew Gibson, of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: "We have never had these creatures in such numbers before.

"The pheromones have no significant effect on the other species of moths and butterflies in the area. They are species-specific and they are doing the job."

Spurn Point is home to Britain's only full-time lifeboat station. Seven men and their families live there, at the RNLI's busiest outpost.

The caterpillars are a rare visitor from southern England and the hot weather in April is believed to have caused the explosion in their numbers, leading them to set up a breeding colony on the point, which is also a nature reserve.