You'll have to keep your eyes peeled while strolling through the capital's parks, gardens and woods.
At the end of February, synonymous with a mild winter which will soon give way to spring, the processionary caterpillars are making their return to Paris.
In a press release, the town hall warns of their presence in the woods of Boulogne and Vincennes, extra-mural cemeteries and more widely in the 6th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 19th arrondissements.
The municipality reminds that these places are the most conducive to the development of this larva whose small size - 2 to 4 centimeters long - says nothing about its aggressiveness.
The processionary caterpillar represents a danger, given its stinging hairs, for both humans and flora.
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It is therefore strongly recommended not to come into contact with this little creature at the risk of exposing yourself to skin reactions accompanied by severe itching.
In case of hives, an appointment with the doctor is necessary.
Means of struggle in development
The City of Paris recalls that its Green Spaces and Environment department is responsible for identifying pine processionary caterpillars - the only one listed in France with its cousin the oak processionary moth - and taking the necessary measures, for example by removing the cocoons. caterpillars in trees or by placing gutter traps on trunks to stop the caterpillars in their descent.
To avoid any proliferation, pine plantations are avoided in places where exposure to the public may be significant.
Nest boxes for tits, predators of processionary caterpillars, are also installed in the most exposed places.