As of: January 25, 2024, 6:19 p.m
By: Mark Stoffers
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The island of Heligoland is fighting against the dangerous Goldafter caterpillar (symbolic photo/photomontage) © Heiko Feddersen & McPHOTO/Schwenk
Helgoland is again sending a warning to residents and holidaymakers on the North Sea island.
The hairs of the Goldafter caterpillar are poisonous to the touch.
Helgoland – Vacationers, travelers and tourists should beware of an invasion on this popular North Sea island.
Because a danger has spread to Helgoland that could become a health risk and could quickly turn a relaxing holiday on the North Sea into trouble.
The danger for holidaymakers on the popular North Sea island in Schleswig-Holstein comes from the Goldafter caterpillars.
It is important to exercise caution here.
Vacationer warning on the North Sea island: Reactions can lead to breathing problems, fever and eye irritation
The background to the warning on the North Sea island is that the Goldafter caterpillars, with their poisonous stinging hairs, can cause unpleasant reactions when touched.
Symptoms include itching, blisters and rash.
Meanwhile, the skin irritations and reactions are not to be taken lightly as the symptoms can last for several days.
In particularly severe cases, breathing problems, fever and eye irritation can occur.
Beaches and dunes are endangered areas on the North Sea island of Heligoland
The beaches and dunes are particularly affected by the caterpillars.
These areas are among the caterpillars' preferred haunts.
However, the danger for holidaymakers on Heligoland and other North Sea islands, which recently warned that they could not be reached due to the weather chaos, is not new.
There were already warnings last summer when the caterpillars were spotted on the East Frisian Islands.
However, the warning again strongly advises against touching the animals under any circumstances.
On Heligoland, the island residents and volunteers from the Jordsand e.V. association have come together.
V. joined together to stop the spread of poisonous caterpillars.
Among other things, the volunteers collected over 5 cubic meters of nesting material in order to at least somewhat counteract the spread and reproduction of the caterpillars.
Poisonous caterpillar on the North Sea island: residents and volunteers take measures on Heligoland
Although it is not possible to completely eliminate the caterpillars, the measures on Helgoland are still expected to significantly reduce the infestation.
Finally, the females lay their eggs on branches from June to August, from which the larvae hatch and overwinter there until they hatch.
By removing the nests now, the number of caterpillars will be significantly reduced in the future.
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Further measures are planned to protect nature and North Sea holidaymakers from the pests.
Nevertheless, tourists should continue to be careful and follow the warnings in order to be able to spend a pleasant and safe holiday on the North Sea without symptoms.