Eichen processionary spinners spread: danger to health is growing!

Eichen processionary spinners spread: danger to health is growing!

Bad Salzungen, Deutschland - In the past few weeks, the concern for the oak processionary spinner in Thuringia has increased noticeably. Both municipalities and citizens are required to deal with the dangers and the necessary control measures. This became clear when the municipality of Unterbreizbach removed a total of 35 sprints on trees, especially at the fairground near a playground. Mayor Roland Ernst reported that a special vacuum cleaner was used to remove the nests. But the matter is not done, because more than 100 other nests were discovered and eliminated by the forestry community in the surrounding forest - enormous comfort for the local population, but also a sign of increasing infestation.

further measures and problems

In Vacha, a forest path on Lohberg was closed to protect passers -by from the dangers of the oak processionary spinners. The city of Schmalkalden has also reacted: several pedestrian areas were blocked, among other things, the Pfaffenwiese car park, a bus stop and a path on Recklinghäuser Strasse are affected, and this until the end of August. In addition, oak processionary spinners were also found in Leimbach near Bad Salzungen at the Hundskopf viewpoint.

from the city of Saalfeld also came to preventive measures: In May, several trees and groups of trees were sprayed with a biological preparation to prevent infestation. The fight against the oak processionary moth falls under the crop protection and biocide law, and both mechanical and chemical control methods are only permitted by professional users. Mechanically, suction or scraping is often used. Chemical measures are only permitted in the event of proven infestation and in the first two larval stages.

The health risks

More and more people are aware of health risks that assume oak procession spinners. The burning hair of these caterpillars contain the nettle poison Thaumetoporin, whose contact with caterpillar matitis, conjunctivitis and respiratory irritation can lead. Risk groups such as those seeking relaxation, residents, children and forest workers are particularly affected. Furthermore, animals can also suffer health problems through direct contact with the caterpillars or their hair.

The expansion behavior of the oak processionary spinner is worrying. In the warm, dry regions of Germany, especially in areas such as the Franconian record, Berlin, Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia, an increased spread of this pest can be observed. Climate change could significantly expand the areas affected by these pests, which will make the problem still in importance.

It is all the more important to avoid the herd of infection and to keep up to date with the dangers. If you want to take a closer look at the topic, you will find extensive information at SPIEGEL href = "https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/eichenpronzessessionSpinner"> Environmental Federal Agency .