Attention, Spandau! Eichen processionary spinners threatens park visitors!

Attention, Spandau! Eichen processionary spinners threatens park visitors!

Spandau, Deutschland - In Spandau, a strong infestation with the oak processionary moth (EPS) is currently being found. The Wilhelm-von-Siemens-Park as well as adjacent schools, daycare centers, streets and private areas are particularly affected. These caterpillars of the oak processionary spinner, which are located in the so -called "procession phase", form striking nests on tree trunks and branches that look like spun sugar candy. The Spandau district office has already initiated measures to limit the infestation and strongly recommends avoiding the park in order to avoid possible allergic reactions through the burner hair of the caterpillars. In this context, signs were set up in the park and companies were commissioned to remove the oak processionary spinner.

However, a complete control of the oak processionary spinner in the park is excluded. The district office is only responsible for the care and combating of pests in public areas. Messages about private space are not required, which means that residents themselves have to be active if they are affected. The district office of Spandau is in exchange with other districts, especially Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, and works on a "crisis plan EPS" to develop a comprehensive master plan for containing the oak processionary spinner.

recommendations and protective measures

public relations is an important part of the current measures. In order to minimize contact with the dangerous burner hair, the Spandau district office gives the following recommendations:

• Do not touch caterpillars and nests.
Note
• leash obligation in green areas to avoid the transmission of the hair.
• Clean the clothing thoroughly after visiting the park to avoid skin contact.
• residents should keep windows and doors closed.

The oak processionary moth is a domestic butterfly species in Germany and can pose health risks for people. The caterpillars can trigger allergic reactions that range from itchy skin reddening to respiratory irritation. The burner hair, which are provided with the Thaumetopoein nettle poison from the third larval stage, are particularly dangerous. These fine hair can lead to fever in contact with symptoms such as pustules, whisper and in severe cases.

health effects and control

The danger that comes from the oak processionary spinner has led to an increase in mass in some federal states, especially in the northeast, southwest and parts of North Rhine-Westphalia. In Berlin, however, a decline in populations can be observed. In the event of an infestation, it is strongly recommended not to try to remove the caterpillars, but to contact the responsible district office or professional pest control services.

Professional control measures can be taken specifically to protect people from the health risks of the brain hair. Biological and chemical control means are used, whereby biodegradable products should be preferred. Combating should only take place in the event of a windless, precipitation -free weather and requires compliance with specific regulations, especially with regard to nature reserves.

The Senate Department for Science, Health and Care and the Berlin Plant Protection Office are available for further information. The current situation in the Wilhelm-von-Siemens park and the associated measures are continuously observed and adapted.