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Oak processionary moth is spreading alarmingly in the Prignitz!
The oak processionary moth is spreading in the Prignitz. The cause is the drought in 2023. Measures to combat it are underway.
Oak processionary moth is spreading alarmingly in the Prignitz!
The oak processionary moth is spreading more widely in the Prignitz than in previous years. Even today, June 27, 2025, concerned citizens continue to report infested oak trees in new areas. The reason for this spread is the dryness of spring 2023, which represents a stark contrast to the wetter spring of 2022. Reports of infestations are reaching the district administration in an ever-increasing stream, and new local areas are also being affected. Despite preventive measures in the spring, the spread and infestation could not be completely contained maz-online.de reported.
Spring control took place in May 2025, which was specifically aimed at controlling EPS larvae in the second to third stages of development. A biological agent was used to ensure that the caterpillars are killed before their harmful stinging hairs develop. These measures are the responsibility of the municipalities, while the district administration coordinates and financially supports the fight. Meanwhile, follow-up treatment of trees that have already been infected does not make sense at the moment, as the caterpillars are now in the fourth to sixth stage of development and have formed their nests.
What to do about the oak processionary moth?
As the district administration explains, the only effective measure is to remove the nests. This is usually done by suction. The municipalities are responsible for measures in public spaces, while property owners bear responsibility in the private sector. In this context, it is important that citizens report infected trees early in order to enable targeted measures next year.
With the aim of optimizing control strategies for the coming year, the experiences from this year will be evaluated in the next few weeks. While the fight against the oak processionary moth in the municipalities and along the district roads was completed on May 9, 2025, the last treated areas can be found in the municipality of Karstädt and the Putlitz-Berge district. The action went like this landkreis-prignitz.de reported, as planned and without any special incidents.
The exchange of experiences and the expected evaluation over the next few weeks should help to improve the control of the oak processionary moth in spring 2026. The urgency of these measures is reflected not only in the large number of reports, but also in the need to raise awareness among citizens.