The season has started early: Because the trees are already budding, the oak processionary moth is already up to mischief. Caution is advised throughout Bavaria.
Munich – Summer started in April. A heat record was broken at the beginning of the month - with a whopping 30.1 degrees on April 6th. No wonder nature is also a few weeks ahead of its usual schedule. This is evident not only in the early flowering of plants, but also in the turbo start of the oak processionary moth. Due to the high temperatures, the oak trees are already sprouting and the pest, which is also a health threat to humans, is causing mischief. Its occurrence can now be observed throughout Bavaria.
Health risks for humans: Oak processionary moth is spreading
Lots of sun and warmth promote the spread of the harmful oak processionary moth: “The occurrence is no longer limited to hotspots,” said Andreas Hahn, head of the forest protection department at the Bavarian State Institute for Forestry and Forestry (LWF) to the
dpa
.
In Bamberg, the city has already warned against the early sprouting of oak trees, as this indicates an increased infestation with the oak processionary moth. Biocides are therefore sprayed in the affected areas to contain the spread.
The background is not only the threat of damage to the affected trees. The caterpillar hairs of the spinner also pose an acute health risk to humans. If you see the hairy caterpillars of the oak processionary moth, you should be careful.
Health dangers and symptoms after contact with processionary caterpillars:
Dermatitis (skin inflammation):
Severe itching, redness of the skin, hives and blisters, especially on areas of skin that are not covered by clothing, such as: B. lower extremities, neck, face.
Allergic reactions:
rhinitis, conjunctivitis and shortness of breath
Allergic skin reactions:
hives mainly in the neck area and arms as well as swelling (edema), especially of the eyelids, 15-60 minutes after contact with the stinging hairs.
Conjunctivitis/corneal inflammation and ophthalmia nodosa:
If the caterpillar hairs get into the eye, acute conjunctivitis occurs with redness, photophobia and severe swelling of the eyelids. If the stinging hairs pierce the cornea, corneal inflammation is the result. In rare cases, the clinical picture “Ophthalmia nodosa” has been described for the pine processionary moth. It is a serious inflammation of the inside of the eye.
Inflammation in the throat area and in the upper respiratory tract:
Inhaling the stinging hairs can lead to inflammation in the throat area and in the bronchi. In some cases, allergic asthma has been reported in patients with a hyperreactive bronchial system after exposure to pine processionary moths.
Additional symptoms:
Gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness, chills, fever and anaphylactic reactions have been observed in isolated cases.
Danger under oak trees: Acute danger to life due to allergic reactions
Contact with the caterpillar hairs can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes in humans, as the State Office for Health and Food Safety warns. The animal's fine stinging hairs trigger a variety of allergic reactions when touched or inhaled, from severe skin rashes to life-threatening shock reactions.
Oak processionary moth: Danger from the caterpillars exists all year round
The oak processionary moth is actually an inconspicuous moth with a wingspan of only 25 to 30 millimeters. However, its caterpillars move in processions from their nests to the treetops at night to feed.
This is what you should do if you have come into contact with oak processionary moth hairs
You should try to remove any stinging hairs on the skin using an adhesive tape.
Under no circumstances should you touch your eyes.
It's best to shower and wash your hair immediately to wash off the poison.
Wash clothes at least 60 degrees.
Watch for reactions (skin rash, conjunctivitis, shortness of breath, or other allergic reactions).
If you experience shortness of breath or other serious reactions, consult a doctor immediately or call the emergency number (112).
The health risk exists all year round, but it is most dangerous from mid-May to early autumn because then people dress more lightly and are outdoors more often.