Thaumetopoea processionea and Thaumetopoea pityocampa have joined the list of species “whose proliferation is harmful to human health”.
They invade public gardens. Processionary caterpillars, which proliferate at different times of the year depending on the species, have been recognized as harmful to health in a decree published on April 27.
More specifically, these are the oak and pine processionary caterpillars which have joined the list of species “whose proliferation is harmful to human health”.
Thaumetopoea processionea (oak processionary) and Thaumetopoea pityocampa (pine processionary) produce stinging hairs which, through direct skin contact or inhalation, can cause urticarial or allergic reactions in humans.
Stinging hairs
The pine processionary caterpillar is stinging from December to April while the oak processionary caterpillar is from May to July.
“By their particular structure, these hairs cling easily to the tissues (the skin and the mucous membranes)”, indicates the ARS of Ile-de-France on its website, “the occurrence of effects does not therefore necessarily imply having been in direct contact with the caterpillars.”
The health authority details the symptoms, namely: painful rash with severe itching, conjunctivitis, sneezing, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and possibly difficulty breathing. Finally hypersalivation, vomiting and abdominal pain are possible in case of ingestion.
Beyond the treatments available to the authorities to fight against the species, the ARS recommends everyone not to approach and not to touch the caterpillars, not to walk under the trees carrying the nest, or even to carry long clothes when walking. Finally, the ARS recommends taking a shower and changing clothes in case of suspected exposure to caterpillars.
