Danish Government Launches Website to Inform Public About 'Worm from Hell'

The Danish government is launching a new website to address growing public concern over the oak processionary moth, a species colloquially known as the 'worm from hell.' The initiative aims to provide citizens with accessible information about the caterpillar and clear instructions on how to react if they encounter it.

Minister for Nature and Animal Welfare, Christian Rabjerg Madsen, explained that the website will consolidate advice for the public on identifying the oak processionary moth and what steps to take. The platform is part of the Danish Environmental Protection Agency's website, focusing on green land management and water environment.

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We gather good advice for citizens on what to do if they see a larva they suspect is the oak processionary moth.

The launch of this resource comes amid increased attention on the species. The article also notes a significant surge in users for the 'Arter' app, which helps distinguish between the oak processionary moth and harmless caterpillars. Nearly 2,200 new users joined the app over a recent weekend, nearly a tenfold increase for this time of year. The free app, a collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural History Museum of Denmark, has been downloaded 58,000 times, allowing users to submit photos for expert quality checks.

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We call it 'Super Tuesday' because for the first time since 2002, we will hold government conferences with four candidate countries in one day.