Oak moth caterpillars can cause rashes, breathing problems and, in rare cases, allergic reactions.
An infestation of insects is spreading across Berlin, forcing closures and health warnings in parks, playgrounds, and residential areas, German media have reported. The culprit is the oak moth caterpillar, a wood-killing insect covered in stinging, poisonous hairs.
The insect, scientifically known as Thaumetopoea processionea, is a species of moth whose caterpillars emerge between May and July. Although the moth itself is harmless, the caterpillars produce hundreds of thousands of microscopic poisonous hairs that can travel up to 200 meters in the wind and cause rashes, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. In severe cases, exposure can cause allergic reactions and even anaphylactic shock.
The infestation has been widespread across Berlin for years, but officials say several districts are seeing a sharp increase in affected trees this summer. According to Bild, authorities and park operators have issued warnings across Berlin and Potsdam, closing down affected areas and temporarily closing parks, sports facilities and pedestrian paths.
The most affected areas are Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Treptow-Köpenick, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, and Spandau, which have many of Berlin’s oak streets and gardens.
According to the BZ daily, the caterpillars have also spread throughout the Jungfernheide settlement of more than 11,000 inhabitants, infecting everything from facades and cars to door frames, rails, and lights.
Local politicians have criticized what they describe as poor coordination between authorities. Health agencies have limited ability to intervene because caterpillars are classified as pests rather than public health pests, while plant protection laws prevent the use of some pesticides.
Critics want a coordinated response from the district authorities, the Berlin Senate, and housing companies, including the pre-treatment of oak trees and the removal of nests in a more aggressive way. Frustrated residents have also launched a petition calling for a protection plan for Jungfernheide, which has already attracted more than 4,500 signatures.
Last year, Berlin’s Senate Environment Department recorded 5,032 attacked oak trees in 881 locations across the city. Experts predict the outbreak will worsen as hot and dry weather favors the spread of the caterpillars, with forecasters expecting warmer and drier than average conditions across Germany and Central Europe this summer.
Insects are not only in Germany. The oak marching moth is established throughout Europe and has been recorded from the Netherlands and France to Denmark and the Mediterranean. It was accidentally introduced in the UK in 2006 and has now become established in Greater London and parts of the south east of England, prompting a government warning on Saturday urging the public not to touch the insects or their nests.
