The oak processionary moth(Thaumetopoea processionea
Linnaeus) is a forest pest that prefers to infest oak trees. It is a rather inconspicuous, grey-brown moth that can also pose a danger to humans. Although the butterfly itself is harmless, its larvae carry poisonous hairs that can cause allergic reactions on the skin and mucous membranes of humans. The symptoms range from extremely itchy skin rashes (caterpillar dermatitis) to asthma attacks. The cause is the nettle toxin thaumetoporin on the hairs of the larvae. After many decades in which the oak processionary moth did not appear conspicuously in North Rhine-Westphalia, a strong increase in the moth has been observed since 2001, particularly in the Lower Rhine region.
A recent case of oak processionary moth caterpillars has occurred in the allotment garden site in Fürstenwalder Straße. Please be vigilant and if you notice an infestation, please contact the Building Authority, Environmental Protection and Green Spaces Department on 033638 85-210.
Further information can be found in the flyer.