Eichen processionary moth is plagued by Aalen: Burn hair provide alarm!

Eichen processionary moth is plagued by Aalen: Burn hair provide alarm!

In Aalen, the oak processionary spinner spreads rapidly in 2023 and ensures concerned faces. The insect is particularly widespread in the forests, near sports facilities and a cemetery. Five teams of a special company are currently starting to remove the annoying caterpillar nests from the trees. As swr are the small, black caterpillars inside with fine, burn-like hair. and can cause allergic reactions.

Allergy protection is now particularly important. Children playing, as in the “vertebral wind” daycare center, are not allowed to go outside in sunshine; The room is heated anyway because the windows have to remain closed. The chairman of the Sportallianz Aalen, Dietmar King, is also concerned about the situation because some sporting events, including the 500th anniversary of the Aalen Schützengilde, had to be canceled. Spectators of the "Pink Bowl" of the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns complained of rashes and itching, which makes the situation even more explosive.

The risks at an overview of

The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea Processionea) are not only a problem in Aalen. In other parts of Germany, especially in the northeast and southwest, their number is increasing. This development is due to rising temperatures and the lack of night frosts. As Netdoktor are affected: children, walkers, residents in affected forest areas and forest workers must not come into direct contact with the brain hair. These contain the Nesselgift Thaumetopoin and can cause violent skin and respiratory reactions.

Direct contact with the caterpillars or their nests is not necessary - the wind can spread the fine hair. During contact, rashes often occur (catering decorations) that show up on uncovered parts of the body such as neck, face and arms. Symptoms are whispering, itching and reddening of the skin that can last between two days and two weeks. In an allergy, hives can even occur that causes painful reddish wheels. Inhalation the hair can irritate the airways, which can be life -threatening, especially for people with respiratory diseases.

future prospects

In order to contain the spread of the oak processionary spinner, the city administration is considering possible measures. These include the use of biological preparations or the attachment of nesting boxes for titms that could act as natural predators. Another glimmer of hope: the infestation could decrease by the end of July because the caterpillars then reach their pupation phase.

The fighting of the oak processionary spinner remains an important topic for the city of Aalen, and despite all efforts, everyone is asked to be vigilant - in particular the sporty active and the residents in the forest area. The oaks, the city forest and the planned measures are now in focus, while the citizens hope that the mischief will soon end.