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Danger! Oak processionary moth: How to avoid dangerous skin reactions!
Braunschweig provides information about the oak processionary moth: risks, symptoms and measures to combat it in summer 2025.
Danger! Oak processionary moth: How to avoid dangerous skin reactions!
Summer is approaching and with it the bright colors that immerse Braunschweig in a lively atmosphere. But while many people are enjoying the joy of spring and exploring nature, there is also dark news: the dreaded oak processionary moth is active again. These caterpillars can be found in the region from May to the end of July or beginning of August and only feed on oak trees. Especially from the third larval stage onwards, the small animals are equipped with poisonous stinging hairs that are tough. As news38.de reports, citizens should avoid the caterpillars and their nests as much as possible, as contact with them can cause unpleasant, if not even dangerous, reactions.
Uncovered areas of the body such as the neck, face, arms and legs are particularly affected by stinging hairs. Symptoms of an allergy can include itching, rashes, hives, and even difficulty breathing. Some may even experience acute conjunctivitis or, in more severe cases, anaphylactic shock. The AOK also informs in its magazine that reactions can occur between 15 minutes and two weeks after contact. Once you come into contact with these little hairs, the fun is quickly spoiled: here you can often noticeably deal with reddened skin and insect bite-like nodules, as [aok.de](https://www.aok.de/pk/magazin/koerper-psyche/haut-und-allergie/eichenprocessionsspinner-gefaehrliche- Butterflylings-raupe/) describes.
City of Braunschweig is taking action
In sensitive areas such as schools, daycare centers, hospitals and retirement homes, the city of Braunschweig will act quickly: If caterpillar nests appear, they will be removed within 24 hours. In residential areas, nests should be removed within 48 hours. In particularly badly affected areas, nematodes, which are harmless to humans, are also used in May to get the caterpillar population under control. Anyone who suspects an oak processionary moth infestation can contact the city on 0531/470-1 and 0531/115 or by email. Importantly, only nests reported on oak trees should be reported - other trees are not affected.
The fine stinging hairs of the caterpillars can also be spread by the wind, so contact with the animals themselves is not necessary to cause allergic reactions. Risk groups such as children playing, walkers in the forest and those involved in landscape maintenance are particularly at risk. The use of recreational facilities in the countryside should also be enjoyed with caution during this time, emphasizes netdoktor.de.
The educational package is rounded off with the information that residents in affected forest areas or with oak trees should be particularly careful. Anyone who uses firewood should also be careful, as the stinging hairs can lurk in the pieces of wood. So stay alert and avoid suspicious areas so you can enjoy summer to the fullest - without any itchy surprises!