The oak processionary moth, the caterpillar of a butterfly, has its own characteristics and can harm trees - and in some cases even people.
District - The District Office of Dachau has pointed out a possible problem for people and trees through the caterpillars of a butterfly, the oak processionary moth, in a press release .
The oak processionary moth was originally an insect of the open land as a heat-loving species. It was found mainly on single oak trees in parks, on avenues, in parking lots and on the edges of forests. Previously it was mainly found in northern Bavaria, but due to the climatic development it can now be found in almost all of Bavaria and has also attacked closed forest areas since the late 1990s. The species has also already arrived in the Dachau district, although fortunately only a few trees are currently infested.
The up to five centimeters long caterpillars live sociable and go in groups one behind the other like in a procession - hence the name - in search of food. They can be found almost exclusively on oak. During the day and later for moulting, the caterpillars retreat into so-called caterpillar nests, up to one meter long webs on the trunk or in branch forks. The affected trees are usually not permanently damaged, as often only a small part of the leaves is eaten. Even in the event of defoliation, the infected oaks sprout again, so that generally no measures are required to protect the trees.
Be careful with contact if the caterpillar hairs break
When humans come into contact with the caterpillars, the hair breaks easily and can penetrate the skin. This can cause allergic skin reactions as well as inflammation of the eyes and - if they are inhaled - of the upper respiratory tract, in worse cases even dizziness, fever and chills.
Control actions are generally only necessary in cases where there is a risk to humans and animals. If there are trees infested by oak processionary moths in areas where people are regularly present, the location should be reported immediately to the affected municipality or the district office (Lower Nature Conservation Authority, phone 0 81 31 / 74-201), in the case of trees in the forest or at the edge of the forest, on heavily frequented paths or, for example, near forest kindergartens of the responsible forestry department.
The control takes place without the use of biocides, but purely mechanically by suction. This method was successfully used when an oak tree was infested in a forest kindergarten in the Erdweg community.
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