What makes the oak processionary moth dangerous?
The heat-loving oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) has been on the rise in Europe for several years. The reason for this is rising temperatures, in particular the absence of night frosts. In Germany, the moths are now appearing en masse in the northeast and southwest, as well as in parts of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The fine stinging hairs of the caterpillars are problematic for humans. They are filled with the stinging toxin thaumetopoein, which triggers severe reactions of the skin and respiratory tract, among others. The stinging hairs break off easily and also hang in masses in the nests of the animals. They are also distributed with the wind. Direct contact with the caterpillars or their nests is therefore not even necessary to get the fine hairs on the skin or in the respiratory tract, where they attach themselves with their barbs.
Risk groups
The poisonous hairs of the oak processionary moth caterpillars particularly frequently catch the following risk groups:
- playing children
- @ walkers in the forest and along forest edges
- Users of recreational facilities in the countryside (campsites, swimming pools, etc.)
- Residents of affected forest areas or of properties with oak stands
- Forest workers, landscape maintenance workers and road maintenance workers in infested areas
- Stove and fireplace owners when handling firewood
