Oak processionary moth: Danger to health and leisure time in Berlin!

Oak processionary moth: Danger to health and leisure time in Berlin!

In the last few weeks, the oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) has been causing a stir in Brandenburg and neighboring regions. This little caterpillar can cause a lot of pain, and many people have had painful experiences. The increase in caterpillar-related skin reactions is alarming, especially in the outdoor swimming pools in Berlin-Charlottenburg, which had to close last week due to complaints of pustules and itching. Several parks and sports facilities are currently cordoned off to avoid dangerous contacts. Brandenburg also urgently warns of increased risks when walking in the forest these days.

The oak processionary moth caterpillars are particularly noticeable this year, due to the warm and dry weather. They are mainly active between April and July, eat oak leaves and often travel in large groups. Originally distributed on the Iberian Peninsula, these nocturnal butterflies have been established in Germany for over 200 years and settle primarily in Brandenburg, where the first mass propagations were documented as early as the 1950s. What is particularly striking is that females lay up to 300 eggs, which hibernate on oak trees over the winter.

Symptoms and dangers

Skin contact with the caterpillars' stinging hairs can lead to painful rashes, which are usually harmless but very annoying. The typical symptoms include extremely itchy skin rashes on uncovered parts of the body as well as swelling and redness. Children and people with asthma or allergies, who are prone to severe reactions, are particularly affected. Contact with eyes can cause conjunctivitis, and inhaling the fine hairs can cause coughing and difficulty breathing. In the most severe cases, even anaphylaxis is possible, which is why quick action is essential in such situations.

Prevention and control

To avoid contact with oak processionary moths, areas with a high population of oak trees should be avoided. It is also advisable to wear long clothing when spending time outdoors and not to touch caterpillars or their nests. If there is an infestation on private property, the owners themselves are responsible for removing the nests. Experts recommend resorting to professional pest control, especially near schools or kindergartens. Methods such as vacuuming up the caterpillars or using targeted insecticides are recommended, while self-measures are not recommended.

The prognosis is usually positive; The skin problems usually subside within a week, but in individual cases they can last longer. Due to ongoing climatic changes, it is to be expected that periods of drought and heat will become more frequent and that the mass reproduction of the oak processionary moth could therefore increase. Here we should show a good hand and take the warnings seriously in order to protect ourselves and others.

Health experts emphasize the need to make children, walkers and other risk groups, such as forest workers, aware of the potential dangers and to raise their awareness. So the oak processionary moth remains a current issue that can affect any of us, especially in the warm summer months.

Further information about skin reactions and dealing with the caterpillars can be found at the following links: daily news, Deximed and NetDoctor.