Attention, Braunschweig! Eichen processionary spinners endanger health in summer

Attention, Braunschweig! Eichen processionary spinners endanger health in summer

Braunschweig, Deutschland - Summer approaches and many people are drawn outside to enjoy the warm days. However, while the bright colors of Braunschweig invite you to linger, there is an uninvited companion that becomes active again this season: the oak processionary spinner. These caterpillars are particularly common in oak forests and can be found in the region from May to the end of July or early August. The danger that comes from you should not be underestimated.

From the third larval stage, the caterpillars develop poisonous brain hair, which can cause violent allergic reactions on contact. According to news38 symptoms such as itchy rashes, redness, binding inflammation, sore throat known. Therefore, it is advisable to handle the caterpillars and their nests carefully and to avoid affected areas.

measures of the city of Braunschweig

The city of Braunschweig has already initiated measures to protect the population. Raupnester are removed in sensitive areas such as schools and old people's homes within 24 hours. In residential areas, distance takes place within 48 hours at the latest. The first May half week is also the period in which heavily affected areas are to be treated with harmless nematodes to reduce the caterpillar population.

The contact with the city is also guaranteed: If oak procession spinners are suspected, citizens can request help under phone numbers 0531/470-1, 0531/115 or by email to Buergerefon@braunschweig.de. It is important that only affected oaks should be reported, because other trees are not affected.

take allergic reactions seriously

The symptoms of an allergic reaction to the hell of the oak processionary spinner are diverse. According to [aok] (https://www.aok.de/pk/magazin/koerper-psyche/haut-und-allergie/eichenprocessionsspinner-getterliche-chlichen- raupe/) itchy whispering and reddening of the skin can form on unprotected parts of the body such as neck and arms. Inhalation of the fine hair also leads to respiratory irritation and can even result in shortness of breath in the case of preloaded people. It is advisable to react immediately when contacting the hen hairs and, if necessary, see a doctor, because in individual cases even more serious allergic reactions can occur up to anaphylactic shock.

How the occurrence of the oak processionary spinner could develop in the future is uncertain. Scientists warn that rising temperatures and the lack of night frosts could favor the spread of the caterpillars. This development could lead not only in Braunschweig, but also in other regions of Germany to the plague-like distribution of this dangerous butterfly caterpillar, as Netdoktor reports.

Especially risk groups such as playing children, walkers in forested areas or users of leisure facilities in the countryside should be vigilant. It is urgently advised to avoid the locked areas and to act immediately when suspected of skin reactions in order to minimize health risks. This is the only way to enjoy this season without nasty surprises.