There is a problem along State Road 2081: the Goldafter caterpillar. Some trees are damaged. In humans, touching can cause skin irritation.
Anzing - The Goldafter caterpillar has been appearing in high density in the industrial area for several weeks. The heat-loving caterpillars were spotted along the state road 2081 in the area of the Anzing motorway exit, in the industrial area and also in the direction of Mauerstetten. In some places, severe damage has already been caused by biting trees and bushes. This was announced on Tuesday by Mayor Kathrin Alte in the Anzingen municipal council.
The Goldafter belongs to the carrier spinner family. The severe infestation is a result of climate change and the resulting mild winters, said Alte.
The gold after is a native species of butterfly
The Goldafter is a native species of butterfly, the caterpillars are up to 4.5 centimeters long and are equipped with two bright red funnel warts on the back of the body. In humans, contact with the hairs can cause skin irritation or even an allergic reaction.
In the industrial area, contact with gold caterpillars has caused itching in some people, which can last for several days, during mowing and maintenance work. Therefore, the community has now agreed to a joint action - each in its area of responsibility - against the further spread of the caterpillars at a local appointment with the Lower Nature Conservation Authority and the State Building Authority Rosenheim.
"Pay attention to the posted warning signs"
"The businesses concerned, as well as walkers, cyclists and riders, are asked to observe the warning signs and not to touch the caterpillars. It is also important to protect yourself when mowing and gardening in the affected areas and to avoid any contact with the caterpillars, ”says Kathrin Alte. If trees and bushes are affected, it is important to cut away the doll's nests and dispose of them.
Fighting gold flake can take several years
Dr. Roswitha Holzmann from the Lower Nature Conservation Authority informed that the fight against gold fever can take several years. Among other things, she advised that the caterpillars' natural enemies be strengthened and that nesting boxes for birds should be installed more frequently. According to her, around 20 to 30 trees are affected near Anzing; normally, the gold after in the district occurs only occasionally. The aim of all measures is to avoid spreading to the village. Stressed trees were attacked by the caterpillar in Anzing.
