Caterpillar Invasion: The Dangerous Oak Processionary Creeps Further
Expanding oak fungus is on the move
Warning! This creature is never a friend to find: meet the Oak Processionary Caterpillar, wreaking havoc across more and more German states. Climate change, like a malicious ally, fuels their expansion. But a promising new strategy might just turn the tide.
The Oak Processionary Caterpillar loves the heat. Just like certain mosquito and tick species, this mischief-maker is thanking Mother Nature for climate change by showing up more frequently in Deutschland. It's already made its home in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin, Brandenburg, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Now it's staked its claim in Saxony, according to the Forest Protection Institute of the Julius Kühn Institute.
The infestation situation varies from state to state. While the damage caused to oaks in both forests and settlements by the OPC's offspring is currently considered less severe than the health risks posed by their stinging hairs, it's crucial to stay alert and informed.
Watch Out for Those Stinging Hairs!
The OPC's fine, stinging hairs, born from the third larval stage, shatter easily and contain Thaumetopoein. These venomous hairs can be swept away by the wind for miles and embed themselves in human skin, causing itching, swelling, and occasionally asthma attacks. Thaumetopoein can intensify the symptoms of the infamous caterpillar dermatitis and even cause eye irritations. So, keep your peepers protected!
New Solutions on the Horizon
The OPC is a moth that takes flight from late July to early September and tends to lay its eggs on isolated oaks. The brown-yellow or gray-black caterpillars hatch in mid to late April and feast on oak leaves when the sun goes down. They move around in groups like a procession, hence their name. Their nests can reach the size of a football.
In many regions, eradication efforts have been intensified again this year. For instance, the district of Lüneburg in Lower Saxony has had success with the use of Nematodes for the past three years. These small, light-sensitive threadworms are sprayed onto tree crowns after sunset, and they're known to combat caterpillars up to 90%.
Remember, the OPC is cunning and resilient. Stay informed about its activities in your area and wear protective clothing when venturing into infected forests. And don't forget to keep your beloved pets and children away from these stinging pests!
Sources: ntv.de, kst/dpa
- Insects
- Climate change
- Pests
- Butterflies
Still Exploring Methods:
- Biological Controls: The Tachinid Fly and Pheromone Traps are being researched as potential methods to control OPC populations.
- Nest Removal: Removing OPC nests can help reduce population numbers in subsequent years, especially when combined with other control methods.
- Public Vigilance: Keep an eye out for these creatures and report any sightings through the TreeAlert portal or by email to the Forestry Commission.
- Health Risks: Keep your family and pets safe by keeping them away from OPC caterpillars and their nests.
The Commission, aware of the health risks associated with the Oak Processionary Caterpillar, has also adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. This proposal could potentially include the use of biological controls such as the Tachinid Fly in the fight against the OPC, contributing to the field of environmental science and health-and-wellness. The protection of animals used for scientific purposes can also help minimize any negative impacts on the environment during the research and development of new solutions for pests like the Oak Processionary Caterpillar. To further address climate change, ongoing research in the field of medical-conditions could lead to a better understanding of just how climate change fuels the expansion of pests like the Oak Processionary Caterpillar, ultimately aiding efforts to reduce their proliferation and protect our forests and oaks.
