Oak processionary moth on the rise: record infestation in the Parchim district

Oak processionary moth on the rise: record infestation in the Parchim district

The oak processionary moth is becoming increasingly widespread in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district. The current situation is alarming: the number of nests and the distribution of caterpillars have reached a record level in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania this year. How Northern Courier Reportedly, individual trees and entire sections of avenues have already been completely stripped bare due to the heavy infestation.

This rapid increase has surprised even the experts, who are now talking about a possible trend reversal. Similar increases were found in other districts in Brandenburg and parts of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Annual monitoring of the number of infestations is carried out nationwide by recording nests on around 150 road sections.

Health risks and control measures

The Ludwigslust-Parchim district appeals to citizens to report heavily infested oak trees. This is important in order to optimize planned control measures. Human health is also at stake: the caterpillars' stinging hairs can trigger severe allergic reactions. Symptoms such as itching, redness of the skin and respiratory problems may be the result of contact with the stinging hairs. It is particularly important to avoid contact with the nests, even for pets, because the toxins remain active for years, even after the caterpillars have pupated bfw.gv.at supplemented.

The nests are combated by specialist companies, especially until the end of July, in particularly affected areas, such as near kindergartens. Mechanisms for effective control are planned: from next spring, the newly hatched caterpillars will be treated with biological agents. Helicopter operations to combat heavily infested avenues are not ruled out.

Anticipatory measures and prevention

However, the mechanics of combating it are not easy. For the 2024 season, it was decided that a centralized control measure could not be cost-effective, which does not make the situation any less worrying. Leaf damage to oak trees is not exclusively caused by the oak processionary moth. Therefore, affected oak trees should be avoided in strong winds.

The caterpillars reach the pupal stage towards the end of June and retreat to their nests. New eggs are expected in mid to late July, which could make the infestation possible next year. Therefore, careful and mechanical removal of the nests up to this point is essential. The prerequisite is that this work is carried out exclusively by experienced specialist companies who have the necessary protective equipment.

The fact that the caterpillars have so far been insufficiently researched remains problematic NDR stated. This makes proactive measures even more urgent, especially in view of the dangers posed by the unpleasant stinging hairs. The district announces that it will have to carry out more comprehensive control measures in spring 2026.

A detailed data evaluation will be carried out in the near future in order to be able to better plan the effectiveness of the existing measures. Citizens are called upon to report severely infested oak trees by calling the general authority number 115. This ultimately ensures that this danger is dealt with correctly and that protection for nature and human health can be guaranteed.