Oak processionary caterpillar caused less nuisance this year than in 2019 | NOW

The oak processionary caterpillar caused less nuisance this year than in 2019. There were significantly fewer caterpillars and the preventive spraying of oak trees has worked, the Knowledge Center Oak processionary caterpillar reports on Monday. Nature Today.

In addition, during the period when the caterpillars release the most nuisance stinging hairs, it has not been blown very hard, so that hairs and nests are not spread over great distances, according to the knowledge center.

In 2019, 55 percent of oak trees that were not treated preventively were infected with the caterpillar. This summer, the animals were in 33 percent of the trees.

Of the trees that had been treated with a natural pesticide, 15 percent had an infection. The nests in those trees, which are full of the stinging hairs, were also much smaller. The caterpillar’s stinging hairs can cause severe itching and health problems in humans and animals.

The knowledge center expects that the nuisance in 2021 will be comparable to that of this summer, if municipalities and nature managers continue to take preventive measures. It is important to keep an eye on the soil nests near oak trees.

After three dry and hot summers, it is clear that the caterpillars like to retreat to the cool soil. Sometimes they stay there for up to a year to cause unexpected, major inconvenience.

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