Enigmatic caterpillar alarm: oak processionary spinner threatens Treptow-Köpenick!

Enigmatic caterpillar alarm: oak processionary spinner threatens Treptow-Köpenick!

Treptow-Köpenick, Berlin, Deutschland - In the district of Treptow-Köpenick, special caution will be caution due to the high number of caterpillars of the oak processionary spinner (Thaumetopoea Processionea). The caterpillars have now reached the critical "L4 stage" and begin to form large daily nests. The suction of these nests is currently particularly effective to minimize the health risks. This refers in particular to heavily affected green areas with a high oak population, such as the Volkspark Wuhlheide, where the caterpillar frequency has risen alarming, so reports berlin.de .

The brick hair of the caterpillars, however, rescue serious health risks for humans. Contact with these sarchs can lead to violent reactions on the skin and in the airways. Therefore, property owners in the district were called to take responsibility for the elimination of larger nests. The State of Berlin is responsible for control and reporting to the crop protection office, while the street and green space office monitors particularly sensitive points such as schools and playgrounds.

health risks and precautionary measures

In particular, allergy sufferers and people from risk groups should be careful. The caterpillar -damaged trees eat the leaves of the oaks and endanger not only the plants, but also the people in the area. There are frequent occurrences in playgrounds and parks, especially where oaks are. Health organizations have pointed out that the fine brain hair of the caterpillars are filled with the Thaumetopoein nettle poison, which can trigger allergic reactions that can range from rashes to breathing difficulties. This concern is not unfounded, such as netdoktor.de

older caterpillars can penetrate the skin with their burner hair and cause symptoms such as pain, cough or even asthma. In order to reduce these dangers, people, especially playing children and walkers, should avoid contact with the caterpillars and their nests. In contact, thorough body cleaning and possibly the visiting a doctor is necessary.

Current control measures and recommendations

The oak processionary moth is combated by various methods, including the use of biocides and special suction devices. Despite all efforts, fleeting combat is not possible, since the spread of the caterpillars is favored by climate change. The caterpillars are increasingly spreading in newly affected areas, which also complicated the situation in Treptow-Köpenick. According to Allergien.de , the warm and dry weather is ideal for your reproductive cycle.

The regular control of the oaks, as last at the “Planche” water playground in the Plänterwald, is therefore essential to prevent the caterpillars from spreading rapidly. Note signs are set up in the district to inform the citizens about the dangers and to draw attention to the risks. Reports about large nests can be made via the online registration portal "Ordnungsamt-Online" or by email to the responsible street and green space office.