Freiburg/Langenau (dpa/lsw) – With its stinging hairs, it causes skin rashes and damages trees: The oak processionary moth is native to the southwest and calls forest workers to the scene in spring. Even if the unpopular butterfly is generally on the retreat in Baden-Württemberg, it causes forest damage in the districts of Ostalb, Alb-Donau and Schwäbisch-Hall, as Dominik Wonsack from the Baden-Württemberg Forestry Research Institute in Freiburg announced.
This year, for example, in the Ulmer Alb area, the Englenghäu near Langenau is particularly affected, as Daniel Nagele from the Baden-Württemberg forestry department said. In order to counteract the oak processionary moth, it usually only helps to remove the animals with suction systems, for example, as expert Wonsack said. Due to the effort and costs, however, this is usually only an option in cities. To prevent the whole thing, you can also use hot foam or special adhesives. But their use must always be checked beforehand, said Wonsack.
The danger posed by the oak processionary moth lies in the stinging hairs that it develops during its larval stage. They contain a nettle poison and can also attach themselves to human skin with barbs. The result is painful irritation and rashes. The stinging hairs are carried through the air and can also be dangerous for forest animals.
Longer-term damage to the oak trees is the exception, but as with Langenau, this is also possible, said Wonsack. Therefore, measures should now be taken there.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:220331-99-739494/2
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