Oak processionary moth: Red alert in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district!

Oak processionary moth: Red alert in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district!

In the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, the spread of the oak processionary moth is reaching alarming proportions. Current reports from Northern Courier show a record infestation, affecting both the number of nests per infested tree and the distribution in the region. This year, individual trees and entire sections of avenues are so badly infested that they have already been completely stripped bare.

Experts are surprised by the rapid multiplication of caterpillars and are considering a reversal of the trend. Similar findings are also reported from neighboring districts in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg. Despite the required annual monitoring of the infestation, which is carried out by recording nests on around 150 road sections, the measures do not appear to be sufficient.

People and the environment at risk

The health risks posed by the caterpillars' stinging hairs should not be underestimated. These can trigger severe allergic reactions – from reddening of the skin to itching and respiratory irritation. NDR reports that control measures are urgently needed, particularly near kindergartens.

The fight against nests should only be carried out by experienced specialist companies. This work must be completed by the end of July to minimize risks to the public and pets. When mowing and tree care work, it is essential to pay attention to the nests, as the caterpillars' stinging hairs can pose health risks.

Future actions

For the coming 2024 season, it was decided that centralized, large-scale control was not economically viable. Instead, individual measures for individual trees or groups of trees in built-up areas are recommended. However, helicopter deployment to combat heavily infested sections of avenues outside towns remains possible.
The experts have great hope in the biological control methods that will be used next spring to combat the newly hatched caterpillars.

The district asks citizens to report heavily infested oak trees by calling 115 in order to be able to plan appropriate measures. This increasing burden also requires detailed data analysis for future control strategies. The Federal Environment Agency also pointed out the importance of warning signs and barriers in affected forest areas.

The situation is forcing the authorities to initiate more comprehensive control measures in spring 2026. The public is urged to be vigilant and report the spread of this pest - the well-being of the trees and people in the area is at stake.