Danish Municipalities Prepare for Moth Caterpillar Invasion

Municipalities in Denmark are taking proactive measures against the oak processionary moth, a species not yet observed in Randers or Frederiksberg but causing concern due to its presence in neighboring areas. Frederiksberg Mayor Michael Vindfeldt expressed worry after the caterpillars were found in three locations on the outskirts of Amager Fælled, which is part of the neighboring municipality of Copenhagen.

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All Frederiksberg's oak trees are being inspected, and the inspection should be completed early next week.

Frederiksberg is currently inspecting all of its oak trees, a process expected to conclude early next week. If the caterpillars are detected, the municipality has already secured pest control services to immediately remove any nests. Additionally, the administration plans to install 100 birdhouses in the town's oak trees, specifically for tits, which are natural predators of the moth larvae.

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If the caterpillar is detected here, we already have an agreement with pest controllers to remove the nests immediately.

In Randers, Mayor Rosa Lykke Yde has instructed the administration to develop an emergency preparedness plan. "It is absolutely crucial for the citizens that the municipality has a preparedness plan ready so that we are ahead of the situation and can act quickly if it becomes relevant," she stated in a press release. Both municipalities are taking these steps to mitigate the potential impact of an infestation.

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The tits are the caterpillar's natural enemy. The first 100 birdhouses have already been ordered.