Hornet : The Drone Solution for Pine Processionary Caterpillar Control

The Pine Processionary Caterpillar : A Growing Threat That Demands Innovative Solutions

With growth rates doubling every five years, the pine processionary caterpillar is spreading more widely and staying longer across France. Their stings can cause severe skin irritation, especially dangerous for children and pets. Oaks are easier to treat due to their lower branches.

Despite the use of semi-effective traps for pines, and pole pruning (which works but can’t reach high branches), as well as BTK biocide (toxic and only permitted in certain years)… we’ve tested drone-based treatment and it works! Really well, in fact.
While pruning is still effective for low branches, our drone solution is dedicated to pine trees, where caterpillars nest at the very tips of high branches perfectly accessible to drones.

This drone technology has been tested since 2020 and has proven highly effective when combined with an eco-friendly treatment product.

Together with our partner INRAE, we’re now introducing a new treatment method featuring an even more ecological and ultra-low-cost product.

Characteristics of the Hornet Drone for Pine Processionary Caterpillar Treatment

• Weight of Hornet 2 : Weight: 3.9 kg (fully loaded with battery and treatment product)

• RTK Drone: Equipped with centimeter-level precision using a high number of satellite connections, essential for safe and accurate flight between trees

• Ground Distance LiDAR: Enhances flight stability and precision

• Flight Time (fully loaded): Approx. 15 minutes

• 75 cl Tank Capacity: Treats up to 4 nests per flight with Hornet 2

• On average, there are 4 to 5 nests per tree, though this number can vary, sometimes fewer, sometimes more. 

• Special pump designed for precise application

• Custom nozzle tailored specifically for this treatment

• Powerful enough to withstand strong wind gusts during operation

This drone complies with the European C5 class regulations.

The Anti-Caterpillar Drone is Connected to an AI-Powered Web App

A web application, initially developed for another use case, is currently being adapted and will be sold with the drone. This will allow clients to view each treated nest online via GPS mapping and photo documentation and automatically compare statistics year over year.

Need more information about our drone-based anti-caterpillar solution? Contact us.

References of our drone experts