Eichen processionary spinner spreads out: health risk for everyone!

Eichen processionary spinner spreads out: health risk for everyone!

A sudden insect phenomenon is currently talking about itself: the oak processionary spinner has established itself in Saxony and continues to spread out in Germany. According to Welt are already affected by several federal states, including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Rhineland-Westfalen, Hesse, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. This leads to a varying infestation situation between the individual regions.

These caterpillars are not only a pest for the oaks, but also a health risk for people. From the third larval stage, the caterpillars form burner hair, which are provided with the toxic Thaumetopoin. This can lead to skin irritation, itching, asthma attacks and even eye irritation. It is clear that the health effects are currently more acute than the damage to the trees. Early reports on caterpillar matitis are increasing, according to the

pest with special properties

The spread of the pest is fueled, among other things, by climate change. As the Environmental Office , some areas even show signs of a decline in populations, while elsewhere mass enhancements are observed, especially in the northeastern and southwestern parts of Germany. This imbalance shows that the situation is not the same everywhere and every region has its own challenges.

prevention and control measures

There are various strategies to combat the oak processionary spinner. In some regions, such as the Lüneburg district, one relies on nematodes that offer a natural and humans in front of humans and can contain around 90% of the caterpillar population. These nematodes are injected to the tree tops after sunset.

In addition, it is advisable to attach warning signs and barriers in affected forest areas. Professional pest control can also be a helpful measure if there is severe infestation. Chemical insecticides should be avoided in fewer affected areas to minimize possible environmental damage.

and the weather also plays a role: fighting should only be carried out in windless and precipitation -free weather, which increases the effectiveness of the measures. Protecting the population has top priority and there are strict use provisions.