If children and pets are present, special care must be taken against the caterpillars. (symbolic image)
© dpa
Several Berlin districts are warning against the poisonous caterpillars of the oak processionary moth. The Spandau district office advises people to avoid Wilhelm-von-Siemens-Park, according to the authority. There is a heavy infestation in Spandau this year. Large parts of Wilhelm-von-Siemens-Park as well as adjacent schools, daycare centers, streets and private areas are particularly affected. The animals are currently building their nests.
The district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf had previously announced that parts of the Jungfernheide adjacent to the park were closed due to a heavy infestation by the moth. The Jungfernheide lido was closed. Over 350 trees in the park are affected. According to the district office in Pankow, there have also been an increasing number of observations of caterpillar nests on oak trees, including in playgrounds and schools.
The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth are up to three centimetres long and are brown-yellow or gray-black. Their nests are round webs that can reach the size of a soccer ball. From the third larval stage, the caterpillars grow fine stinging hairs that break easily and can be spread over long distances by the wind. The hairs can cause skin irritation and breathing difficulties in humans.
The districts advised people not to touch caterpillars and nests. Infested trees and affected areas should be avoided, especially if children and pets are present. Clothes should be thoroughly cleaned after every visit to the park and residents should keep windows and doors closed. The insects should also not be controlled independently. This should be left to professionals. Urban nature expert Derk Ehlert also warned against approaching and touching the animals. According to Ehlert, more caterpillars have been sighted in Berlin this year than in previous years. The animals are always particularly noticeable when it is particularly hot and dry - as is the case at the moment. Then the animals migrate to lower areas of the trunk, where they are more likely to be noticed by humans, said Ehlert.