The town of Rodgau has not been spared this year’s severe infestation by the oak processionary moth caterpillar. Reports are mounting, and there is increasing evidence of oak trees in the town being infested by the caterpillars of the oak processionary moth. Preventative measures are being taken in advance on trees known to have been infested in previous years, with the aim of preventing colonisation by the oak processionary moth caterpillar. These measures have already proved successful in recent years. Nevertheless, it can happen that, in some cases, not only are there isolated nests on a tree, but the caterpillars have also taken over almost the entire tree. As soon as a suspected case is reported to the town of Rodgau, the trees are inspected and any nests found on municipal trees are removed by a specialist firm using protective equipment. However, it is not always possible to remove all nests from a tree, as some remain out of reach despite the use of a cherry picker and state-of-the-art technology. The town therefore wishes to draw attention to the current danger and asks residents to exercise extra caution when near oak trees. The caterpillars or their nests – which hang like small, web-like sacks from tree trunks or beneath forked branches – must not be touched under any circumstances. The caterpillars’ stinging hairs can trigger severe allergic reactions such as skin rashes, irritation of the mucous membranes and eyes, or breathing difficulties. It is mainly the hairs of the third larval stage, from around May to July, that pose a danger to humans; however, the old larval skins remain in the web-like nests and therefore continue to pose a risk of an allergic reaction even beyond this period. The city expressly points out that, despite intensive monitoring, not all infested trees within the urban area are known, and that control measures are currently being carried out only within built-up areas at heavily frequented and specific locations, such as woodland playgrounds and woodland leisure facilities. It is therefore recommended that people currently exercise caution in the vicinity of oak trees at the edges of woodlands and, in particular, around solitary trees in open countryside; should an infestation be detected, the surrounding area should be avoided. Reports of sightings, including the exact location and, ideally, a photograph, can be sent to the Parks and Forestry Department at gruen@rodgau.de.
