Dangerous caterpillar plague: oak processionary moth threatens health!

Dangerous caterpillar plague: oak processionary moth threatens health!

There is currently a serious health warning regarding the oak processionary moth in the region around Delmenhorst. This native butterfly species is particularly dangerous to humans and animals from May to August. The spinnert belongs to the toothed moth family and has established itself in oak forests in southern and central Europe for decades. As global warming continues, the species is increasingly spreading northward, which affects the situation in our region. Delmenhorst reports that...

Transmission occurs via the caterpillars' stinging hairs, which can cause allergic reactions. Contact causes symptoms such as severe itching, reddening of the skin and difficulty breathing. The air can come into contact with these stinging hairs as you walk past, which is why it is recommended to keep a distance from infected oak trees. If the stinging hairs get on the skin or in the respiratory tract, the symptoms can become very unpleasant - in the worst case, there is even a risk of allergic shock! ZDF today describes that...

Preparation and protection

Anyone who is in affected areas should protect themselves accordingly: long clothing, gloves and ideally safety glasses are part of the basic equipment. If you come into contact with the stinging hairs, you need to act quickly: take a shower, wash your hair and change the contaminated clothing - it's best to wash it immediately and separately. The Federal Environment Agency advises that...

Oak processionary moths prefer to lay their eggs on oak trees. The poisonous stinging hairs begin to develop from the end of April to the beginning of May. The caterpillars go through five to six developmental stages before pupating into moths. Late summer is high season, when the butterflies lay their eggs and start the cycle again - a vicious circle that not only causes problems for allergy sufferers, but also for the forestry industry.

Recommendations for action for property owners

It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure proper control. This should definitely be done by trained professionals who are familiar with mechanical pest control. Vacuuming up the nests and then burning them is one of the effective measures. It is also advisable to report sightings of the oak processionary moth. Residents and visitors are advised to report suspicious web nests to the cemetery administration - either by phone or email. Delmenhorst informs that…

Anyone who lives or works in an affected area should be particularly vigilant. Preventative steps such as placing warning signs and barriers in suspicious areas can help minimize the risk. For mild infestations, immediate chemical control could be avoided if the tree is under low human use. Instead, environmentally friendly solutions should be considered. ZDF today points out that...

It is important to be well informed about the risks and how to deal with the oak processionary moth and to react quickly in an emergency. This is the only way we can protect ourselves and others in the best possible way.