Strong spread of oak processionary spinners

Senate Administration calls for help from the people

06/21/2012

The spread of the oak processionary spinners is becoming a growing problem throughout Germany. Now, the Berlin Senate Department for Health and Urban Development has also called on the population to assist in the control of caterpillars. The caterpillars can provoke allergic reactions in humans.

Risky is the contact with the burning hairs of the oak processionary spinners, as they contain the nettle toxin thaumetopoein, which can cause severe allergic reactions on skin contact or inhalation. Since the fine focal hairs can also be transported by air, already at some distance from the track nests there is an increased health risk. For this reason, especially at busy places such as recreation and sports facilities, schools, kindergartens and homes against the oak procession spinners must be actioned, said the Berlin Senate Administration. Here, the authorities are also dependent on the support of the population, which is asked to report sighted nests of oak processionary spinners immediately to the responsible health and green space offices.

Nests of the oak procession spinners report to the authorities
Not only the Berlin Senate Department for Health and Urban Development asks for the help of the population in combating the oak processionary moth, but also the Brandenburg State Office for Rural Development, Agriculture and Land Consolidation tries to sensitize the inhabitants for the risk. In Brandenburg, the spread of caterpillars is so massive, especially in the parks and gardens of the city of Potsdam, that the city administration has already blocked some areas for visitors. The sighted webs (caterpillar nests) must be removed by experts due to the risks of the stinging hairs. If the webs are on private property, in case of emergency the authorities will ask the property owners to have the nests removed. If the persons concerned do not comply with this request, the health authority can arrange for the removal of the caterpillars and charge the costs to the property owners.

Health risk from burning hair of oak processionary spinners
In humans, the stinging hairs of poisonous caterpillars often cause typical signs of nettle fever, such as redness, blistering and itching. Also, irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract are not uncommon. In the worst case, those affected suffer a life-threatening allergic shock. Itchy rash caused by the stinging hairs of the oak processionary spinners is referred to in the specialist literature as caterpillar dermatitis. (Fp)

Read about oak processionary moths:
Oak tree procession spinner a health hazard
Caterpillars cause a major alarm
Spread of poisonous caterpillars a health risk

Image: Caterpillar dermatitis caused by oak processionary spinner Photo: Daniel Ullrich.