In the past few weeks, increasingly stubborn people have been observed in the parks and green areas of the Reinickendorf district, which indicate an increase in the spinning moth population. This type of butterfly from the moth family laid their eggs on various bushes and trees in July and August. The district councilor for order, environment and transport, Julia Schrod-Thiel (CDU), explains that the spinning moth is not a danger for people and that the sanitary facilities in the district do not have to take any special precautions to combat these pests. However, your life cycle requires special attention.

After the spinning moths have taken their eggs, the caterpillars hatch and hibernate in the tree. From April they start eating the young shoots, which in spring leads to the typical striking, white networks that they spin around the trees. Although affected plants are weakened by the leaf feed, they usually recover well after the period of infestation. The mild winter and the changed weather conditions in recent years have favors the increase in the web moth, which leads to an increased visibility of the sprint, especially in early summer.

concern for oak processionary spinners

In the shadow of the spinning moth population, another type of pest is noticeable: the oak processionary spinner. This has also become noticeable in recent years due to a milder winter and is increasingly spreading. Unlike the web moth, the caterpillars of the oak processionary spinner wear burner hair with a nettle poison, which can cause serious health symptoms, including itching, rashes and respiratory irritation. The spins of the oak processionary spinner can be found almost exclusively on oaks.

The district office Reinickendorf has received increasing reports about the oak processionary spinner in the past few weeks. In order to protect the citizens, the street and green space office indicates the danger through warning signs. The population is urgently asked to avoid affected oaks and not touch caterpillars or nests. This is particularly important because the oak processionary spinner, in contrast to the harmlessly web -moth, carries health risks. A good differentiation between the two species is therefore essential.

feed plants and control

In Central Europe, over 70 types of web moths are known, each with their own feed plants. The most common include the apple groove moth, which can be found on apple trees, as well as the plum goddessed moth, which mainly eats plum and cherry trees. The larvae of these species cover their feed plants with a web that not only weakens the plants, but can also impair the aesthetic image of the gardens and parks. However, web moths are not dangerous for humans, since their caterpillars do not have allergy -causing hair.