The processionaries are back! A probably unprecedented event is that of Germany where a real alarm has been raised. The so-called hairy caterpillars have affected several people in the country and 15 have even ended up in hospital.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himThe are back processionaries! Probably an unprecedented fact is that which sees the protagonist Germany where it was launched a real alarm. The so-called hairy caterpillars have affected several people in the country and 15 have even ended up in hospital.
The pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) has multiplied excessively in Europe, and especially in Germany. where it is doing a lot of damage, favored by a hot and dry climate. Schools, parks, sections of roads and highways have been closed in recent weeks due to a real invasion of these moths.
In May, poisonous caterpillars paralyzed the A1 near Hamburg for three nights, in Dortmund, a park was closed for three weeks while during a sports festival in Mühlheim 9 students, after coming into contact with the processionaries, arrived in hospital with severe skin irritation and breathing problems.
In Muster, 6 people instead had to undergo eye surgery to remove the bristles of the processionaries from the retina. And these are just some of the episodes that are affecting different parts of Germany ...
The most affected areas are Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria. But the processionary is creating inconvenience also in other areas of Europe, especially in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Of course, there are now fears that the infestation may also extend outside Northern Europe.
Meanwhile, rains are anxiously awaited in Germany able, at least, to sweep away making the bristles left on the leaves harmless.
The risks of the processionaries
The processionaries are dangerous as they can cause, in addition to the classic skin irritation with bubbles and pustules, even real ones allergic reactions as well as dermatitis and asthma crisis.
The problem lies with them stinging bristles and it is increased by the fact that these are dangerous even if you do not come into direct contact with the animal as they can be carried by the wind, causing skin and eye problems.
The processionaries are particularly also dangerous for dogs and cats which risk suffocating if they ingest them.
How to defend yourself
The German health authorities urge the population to pay attention.
Experts recommend the following protective measures:
- avoid the areas affected by the processionaries
- never touch insects or their nests
- protect sensitive skin areas such as neck and forearms
- keep under control children and pets that may be intrigued by the presence of these animals
In case of contact with the eyes, inhalation or ingestion of the processionary bristles, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.
All these tips are also useful to us since it is not difficult to come across processionaries even in our parks and gardens.
Read also:
- Processionary: why it is dangerous, symptoms and remedies
- Processionary alarm, children in the emergency room: why this insect is so dangerous
- Oak processionary invades London: how to recognize it, symptoms and how to protect yourself
