Oak processionary moth plagues Spandau: avoid the park and be careful!

Oak processionary moth plagues Spandau: avoid the park and be careful!

A heavy infestation of the oak processionary moth (EPS) was found in Berlin-Spandau. The Wilhelm-von-Siemens Park as well as neighboring schools, daycare centers, streets and private areas are particularly affected. The oak processionary moth is currently in the “procession phase” and has begun forming nests on tree trunks and branches. The danger posed by this pest comes primarily from its caterpillars, which can cause allergic reactions. These caterpillars move in characteristic processions in search of food and can be recognized by their hairy web nests, which are often reminiscent of cotton candy. From the third larval stage onwards, they have fine hairs that contain the nettle toxin thaumetopoein and can lead to health problems on contact, including itchy skin reactions, respiratory irritation and, in severe cases, even allergic shocks, as umweltbundesamt.de informs.

In view of the situation, the Spandau district office urgently advises people to avoid Wilhelm-von-Siemens-Park. In order to prevent possible reactions from the stinging hairs, information signs were put up in the park and professional companies were hired to remove the spinner. However, it should be noted that complete control in the park is impossible. The district office is only responsible for trees on public areas, which is why reports on private areas are not required.

Recommendations and protective measures

The district office has made several recommendations to protect residents:

• Keine Raupen und Nester berühren.
• Leinenpflicht in Grünanlagen beachten, um die Übertragung der Haare zu vermeiden.
• Kleidung nach dem Parkbesuch gründlich reinigen.
• Anlieger sollten Fenster und Türen geschlossen halten.

The situation is being monitored in close cooperation with other districts, in particular Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf. An “EPS crisis plan” is being developed to develop a comprehensive master plan to contain the oak processionary moth. More comprehensive information on combating the oak processionary moth can be found on the websites of the Senate Department for Science, Health and Care and the Berlin Plant Protection Office.

The control measures are important not only to protect the trees, but also to minimize health risks for the population. Therefore, professional pest controllers are recommended who can professionally remove the caterpillars or their nests. If the infestation is weak and there is little human use, the use of insecticides is not recommended enviro-schaedlingsbekaempfung.de.