The Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea), or Eichenprozessionsspinner in German, is a tree defoliating pest that poses health risks to humans and pets in their larval stages. There was a recent false alarm concerning a sighting of oak processionary moth caterpillars found in Leudelange, which turned out to be another species of caterpillar. Sydney: School of Public Health andTropical Medicine, University of Sydney, 1975. 3. The government’s Plant Health Service is dealing with findings of oak processionary moth caterpillars on recently imported oak trees. Hesler L, Logan T, Benenson M et al. READ MORE: Killer Asian hornets that can KILL with one sting set to invade the UK. Lee DJ. As summer kicks off, the Oak Processionary Moth caterpillar has made its yearly appearance on some U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart installations. Taking a few precautions, however, can greatly reduce any risk of irritation or other problems. They travel in nose-to-tail processions (hence their name), often arrow-headed, with a leader followed by rows of several caterpillars abreast. In Germany there are still no statutory requirements for the procedure in the case of an oak processionary moth infestations, but the use of safety vacuum cleaners for dust class H including a safety filter set for the safe disposal are recommended. Due to trade in live plants, oak processionary moth has become established as far north as the Netherlands and northern Germany. Germany and the Netherlands are battling many infestations of oak processionary caterpillars, whose tiny toxic hairs can trigger allergic reactions … The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth shed six times until pupated. The 1-inch caterpillar has 700,000 tiny toxic hairs with hooks that can stick in skin. Processionary caterpillars, whose hairs can cause rashes and breathing problems, have spread across Germany, residing in oak trees. The Natur an Ëmwelt association confirmed the species of the moths for RTL.
It benefits greatly from global warming. Some have suggested the infestation is linked to climate change. 4.
Hairs from the Oak Processionary Moth … This hairy caterpillar is common to central and southern Europe and may be hazardous to your health. Oak processionary moth caterpillars, usually a rare sight, have been found in large numbers all over the country. De-Long S. Mulberry tussock moth dermatitis. However, the caterpillars seen in the above photo taken not far from RTL City have been confirmed as oak processionary moth caterpillars. A long black stripe down the back of a yellowish white body, covered in gray hairs makes them easy to identify. Around 60 interceptions have been made at recent planting sites in the UK Protected Zone. The Oak Processionary Moth was first spotted in London back in 2006, and has since spread. Photograph: Ullstein Bild via Getty Images Oak processionary caterpillars have infested parts of Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Military Medicine. Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a native of southern Europe. The oak processionary moth is a moth with a wingspan of about 30 millimeters.