Red alarm level: oak processionary spinners threatens health and forests!

Red alarm level: oak processionary spinners threatens health and forests!

in Bremen and many other parts of Germany is currently being carried out against the dreaded oak processionary spinner (Thaumetopoea Processionea), the health and forestry effects of which are not to be underestimated. This type of butterfly, which has increasingly appeared in recent decades, has not only expanded due to climate change, but also causes a lot of excitement. Citizens should be vigilant, especially in urban and rural areas, because the caterpillars of the oak processionary spinner can trigger violent skin reactions and subsequent health problems.

The burning hair of the caterpillars are true malefactors - they contain the nettle poison Thaumetopoin, which can cause itching, painful rashes and even respiratory diseases. More and more people are reporting symptoms such as catering decorations or eye irritation. "The health effects are significantly more serious than the damage that the larvae arrange on the oaks," says one expert. When touched or contacting the burner hair, violent reactions can occur, which often have to end in an immediate medical treatment.

Fast action necessary

In order to master this problem, many municipalities, including the district of Lüneburg, are already relying on a proven method: combating tiny threadworms, nematodes. These little helpers are completely harmless to humans and are able to decimate up to 90% of the oak processionary spinning population. The aspect that is important when using nematodes is that they are only used after sunset because they are sensitive to light.

"We are observing the development of oak processionary populations in recent years very precisely," explain the responsible employees of the environmental authorities. The current infestation situation varies greatly in the federal states, while in some regions such as Saxony a clear establishment of the pest can be observed. There is also a dramatic increase in populations in the northeastern and southwestern parts of Germany, which leads to an increased need for action.

preventive measures and communication are required

Additional measures to combat include the setting up of warning signs and barriers in affected areas in order to draw the population aware of the dangers of the burner hair. Local authorities advise you to avoid contact with the caterpillars and their webs. In the case of a possible encounter, an immediate cleaning and the protection of uncovered skin areas are crucial.

oaks that are seriously infected by the caterpillars still have the ability to drive out again after the balure. However, if repeated infringes occur, this can significantly weaken the trees. It is therefore important to take control seriously.

whether in parks, gardens or forests - the oak processionary spinner can now be found almost everywhere where oaks are. The period from July to September represents the main flight time of the moths. The eggs are stored on older oaks and the course of the caterpillar development takes place in several stages, whereby the burner hair is being trained from the third stage. The combination of risk awareness and effective control measures is the key to successfully curb the spread of the oak processionary spinner.

The citizens: on the inside are well advised to be informed and be careful in the summer months. For more information about the oak procession spinner and its effects, we refer to the reports of Nord24 href = "https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/eichen-probessenspinner"> wikipedia and the Environmental Bundesamt .