Danes Protest "Caterpillar from Hell" in Odense

Danish residents in Odense took to the streets to protest the "caterpillar from hell," the oak processionary moth, urging local authorities to take more decisive action against the pest. Demonstrators held signs reading "No to caterpillars, yes to people," highlighting their concern over the growing problem.

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No to caterpillars, yes to people

Martin Christensen, a participant, told Danish television TV2 that the issue needs to be taken seriously before it spreads further, potentially reaching Copenhagen. The oak processionary moth, first detected in Odense in 2024, poses health risks including skin rashes and respiratory problems for humans. It typically inhabits dry oak forests and parks in Southern and Central Europe.

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We have this problem, and it needs to be taken seriously here from the beginning, preferably before it spreads to Copenhagen.

The municipality has responded by closing several pedestrian and cycling paths, as well as a preschool, due to the widespread presence of the caterpillars. A town hall meeting on Friday evening saw around 700 attendees discussing potential solutions. Among the proposals was the drastic measure of cutting down thousands of affected oak trees and replanting with other Danish species. Conservative politician Tommy Hummelmose suggested removing 10,000 to 20,000 trees in heavily infested areas.

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We should go out and chop down 10,000 of them, or for that matter 20,000 in the hardest hit areas, and then re-plant some other Danish tree species.