'Caterpillar from hell' spreads to Poland, causing health concerns

A species of moth caterpillar, dubbed the "caterpillar from hell" due to its irritating hairs, has been spreading across Europe and has now been confirmed in Poland.

The oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) poses a threat as its caterpillars shed microscopic hairs. These hairs, carried by the wind, can cause severe allergic reactions in people and animals, including skin irritation, eye inflammation, and respiratory problems. In Denmark, the infestation has been so severe that thousands of oak trees are being considered for removal, and public spaces like kindergartens, playgrounds, and bike paths have been closed.

Experts believe the moth's proliferation is partly due to a lack of natural predators in regions like Denmark. Professor Sam Cushman from the University of Southern Denmark noted that the caterpillars lack natural enemies such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and are not a food source for local birds and insects. This imbalance allows the population to grow unchecked. The professor also pointed to the practice of planting entire avenues with oaks, often imported from foreign nurseries, as a factor facilitating the moth's invasion.

Other European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, are also battling the oak processionary moth. Control measures in these areas involve aerial spraying, although Professor Cushman suggests these methods may not be as effective in preventing health issues for residents as they are in other countries. Strategies proposed for combating the pest include reintroducing its natural enemies, promoting biodiversity, and implementing widespread monitoring systems, possibly through a dedicated mobile application for reporting sightings.

The infestation has caused significant disruption, with some homeowners in affected areas temporarily relocating due to their children experiencing symptoms. The situation highlights the ecological challenges posed by invasive species and the need for proactive management strategies to protect public health and natural environments.

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Here they do not have natural enemies, viruses, bacteria, and fungi (...). For thousands of years, the spread of the caterpillar was also limited by birds and insects that fed on it.