Dresden – More than gross! The oak processionary moth conquered Saxony. Contact with the animal can lead to unpleasant itching or severe allergic reactions. The forest park in Dresden is already peppered with spooky silk nets.
Do not touch! The spines of the caterpillars are poisonous. © Norbert Neumann
Whole clusters of caterpillars are intertwined in places in small nests. Or the poisonous beasts hang down by one of their silken threads. “The dangerous thing is the bristles of the caterpillars. They contain exogenous protein. If these bristles get stuck in the skin, it can lead to severe allergic reactions,” reports NABU insect expert Matthias Nuß (55).
Think of it like touching a cactus, but on a microscopic level. The animal researcher at the Senckenberg Museum names the possible consequences: “It ranges from itching to severe breathing problems. I know of a case where a girl had completely swollen eyes.”
Working with poison is of little help in combating it, because the hair remains effective even on dead caterpillars. What’s more, the hair can be thrown into the air by wind movement.
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The nests have to be dismantled, according to the expert.
After discussions with experts, the TAG24 editor prefers to keep his distance, even on closer inspection. © Norbert Neumann
Caution is now also required in the Dresden Forest Park.
A part of the forest park is already closed thanks to Rico Marx (33): “I took a picture and shared it with friends. When I knew that the caterpillars were dangerous, I alerted the fire brigade.” Caution is also required near the playground. The fire brigade has not yet set up any barriers against the infestation, which was severe in places.
It is probably only a matter of time before the caterpillar occupies other places in Saxony.
2023-05-20 19:17:49
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