Eichen processionary spinner ensures blocking: health risk for residents!

Eichen processionary spinner ensures blocking: health risk for residents!

The oak processionary spinner has been spreading impressively in Germany since the 1990s, and especially in the lowlands of Saxony-Anhalt. This is how mdr in particular are the Altmark, Börde, Jerichower Land and Fläming. These small, harmful animals feel comfortable in warm, dry regions, especially in light oak forests and forest edges, but also in sinking individual trees.

The main food sources of the oak processionary spinner are grape and handle oic as well as the American red oak. In the event of a lack of food, however, they switch to other tree species. The butterfly benefits from climate change noticeably and has spread in almost all German federal states, except in Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia and Saarland, as the Julius Kühn-Institut states.

lifestyle and health risks

The oak processionary moth laid its eggs in the upper crown area of ​​oaks, and the caterpillars hatch in early May. They go through about 5 to 6 development stages in these months and eat the sprapping leaves. From mid -June, the older caterpillars will retire to their web nests, where they pupate themselves from the end of June or early July. This development aptly describes the Federal Environment Agency, which also warns: from the third larval stage, the caterpillars develop irritating burning hair that hits health risks.

Burn hair contain the nettle poison Thaumetoporin, which can lead to contact with caterpillar matitis, conjunctivitis, respiratory tract irritation, dizziness or even fever. Recreation seekers, residents, children and forest workers are particularly at risk. Protection measures are therefore urgently required, especially in heavily affected areas.

control and prevention measures

As the Federal Environment Agency explains, combating measures fall under the Plant Protection Act or Biocide Act. Chemical and mechanical control methods are possible, but should only be carried out by experts. Spin nests can be sucked off or removed mechanically; Chemical treatment is particularly recommended in the first and second larval stage. Some products were approved by April 2013, but caution must be considered when using chemicals: they can also damage other species or humans.

As part of a graded procedure, the experts from the Netherlands recommend measures such as setting up warning signs, area closures and the mechanical removal of nests. It is important to avoid affected areas and to obtain proactive information about local press or the responsible forest and health authorities. Caterpillars and nests should not be touched; In the event of contact, it is advisable to change clothes and wash them at least 60 ° C.

research and future outlook

A look at research creates additional clarity about the problem of the oak processionary spinner. In Bavaria, extensive investigations on malicanisms have been running on oaks since 2008, with the focus on the oak processionary spinner. The Bavarian State Institute for Forestry and Forestry finds that biotic and abiotic factors influence the mass development of these insects. The aim is to develop forecast methods that also have the focus on climate change.

The spread of the oak processionary moth is not just a regional, but a problem for society as a whole. The proper control and education about these pests are important to protect the health of the people and the condition of our forests. Find out more about the topic on Environmental Bundesamt and lwf bayern .