Local & Spanish

Benidorm uses plant endotherapy to combat pine processionary caterpillar in parks and gardens

Benidorm / 11 February 2026

Benidorm City Council is urging residents to report the presence of pine processionary caterpillar nests and to avoid touching or handling them, warning that contact can cause serious allergic reactions in both people and animals.

The Department of Parks and Gardens is once again carrying out its annual campaign to control the proliferation of the pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), a common pest in pine tree areas that can pose risks to tree health, as well as to the public and pets, if left untreated.

Endotherapy and preventative treatments

As part of its control strategy, the City Council has implemented phytosanitary and preventative treatments. One of the principal techniques used is plant endotherapy, which involves the direct injection of authorised products into the tree to eliminate or prevent caterpillar infestations.

“These products are specifically registered for this control technique. The active ingredient is a systemic insecticide that is transported through the tree’s vascular system, providing long-lasting protection,” explained the Councillor for Parks and Gardens, José Ramón González de Zárate.

This treatment is carried out annually in pine woodland areas where infestations are suspected.

According to the councillor, these measures have proven effective, with no significant pest incidents recorded, including in El Moralet Park, an area with high pedestrian and pet traffic.

Additional control measures

Other techniques employed include:

Application of Bacillus thuringiensis and other biological products in the early stages of the season to reduce populations before nesting
Targeted foliar treatments when necessary
Visual inspections and installation of pheromone traps to attract males and reduce reproduction
Installation of trunk rings or barriers to capture caterpillars as they descend
Municipal teams have also carried out the manual removal of nests and affected branches, particularly in high-traffic areas, near schools and on private properties where branches overhang public pavements.

“These campaigns are planned during autumn and winter, before the larvae hatch, and continue until late winter or early spring,” González de Zárate explained. “Monitoring by municipal teams determines the most appropriate time to intervene.”

Public advice

The City Council stresses that public cooperation is essential and recommends:
Reporting the presence of nests or caterpillars to the municipal Parks and Gardens service
Avoiding contact, as the caterpillars’ hairs can cause severe allergic reactions
Keeping children and pets away from affected pine trees

The initiative aims to safeguard public health, protect municipal green spaces and ensure safe enjoyment of Benidorm’s parks and gardens.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

First for the latest UK & Spanish news on the hour every hour!

BENIDORM WEATHER

Local & Spanish

Cool Playlist

Benidorm uses plant endotherapy to combat pine processionary caterpillar in parks and gardens

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

First for the latest UK & Spanish news on the hour every hour!

Latest Music Video's

Spain's More Music Variety

A Shine Media Spain Radio Station : 2026

A Shine Media Spain Radio Station : 2025

A Shine Media Spain Radio Station : 2026