The oak processionary moth and what to look out for
It's that time of year again, the sun is getting stronger and the trees are sprouting. Now is also the time of insects and among them one stands out in particular in Germany: the oak processionary moth. In this article, the protection professionals explain what this toxic caterpillar is all about and how you can best protect yourself.
More about the "Hungry Caterpillar"
The oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea), abbreviated EPS, was named after its preferred food plant and the peculiarity that the caterpillars migrate in large numbers from the feeding place to the resting place and back, as if in a procession. In early summer, the processions begin and with them the danger for the people.
A child of climate change1
The population of the oak processionary moth in Europe has been increasing for years. This moth loves warmth. Scientists therefore see the rapid spread in connection with climate change. The high temperatures and mild winters in Europe and Germany are causing a rapid reproduction of the moth and the associated problems. For us humans, the stinging hair of the caterpillars is toxic due to the protein toxin (thaumetopoein). However, you can protect yourself well with the right protective clothing.
What does the toxin do in the body?
The toxin of the oak processionary moth acts through the human skin, every mucous membrane and inflames the respiratory tract. Without personal protective equipment (PPE), caterpillars, cocoons and webs are dangerous for the eyes, skin and respiratory tract! The stinging hairs are considered biological agents2 and therefore fall under the Biological Substances Ordinance of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). To be read under the operating instructions biological / chemical hazard from hairs of the oak processionary moth according to § 14 BioStoffV.
"If you want to protect yourself properly, you need good personal protective clothing. Please never touch these animals with your bare hands," says Sonia Niedhart (Managing Director)
PPE according to Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture (SVLFG3)
Forestry and road construction workers as well as gardeners and landscape conservationists who work under and on trees are considered to be particularly at risk. Therefore, it is recommended to wear the following protective clothing:
- Closed full safety goggles (basket goggles)
- Closed, easy-to-clean boots (rubber boots)
- Closed, tight, tear-resistant protective gloves (e.g. latex, nitrile for allergy)
- Disposable protective suit from type 4B
- Particle-filtering respiratory protection FFP2/FFP3 mask with exhalation valve
Important! The field of vision must be completely covered, if necessary by an additional long hood
Tip! In the case of a beard, only fan-assisted respiratory protection with a particle filter offers safety. An FFP mask does not fit due to beard hairs and is therefore unsuitable.
What is the risk of stinging hairs?
The caterpillar goes through 6 larval stages. From the 2nd larval stage, i.e. the 3rd larval stage, the caterpillars develop increasingly fine, barbed hairs on their backs ("stinging hairs", Setae, 0.2mm). These hollow stinging hairs are poisonous. On an adult caterpillar of the oak processionary moth, there are up to half a million of these stinging hairs. The hairs are loosened by wind and touch and since the hairs are very light, the wind carries them far away.
It is unclear how long the poison works in the stinging hair. The sources contradict each other.
From 1 to 10 years of contamination, everything is offered. So caution is advised. To repeat, the cocoons and the webs are also dangerous. Because of the toxic danger, these should never be handled with bare hands, but only with suitable protective gloves. The skin must always be protected with appropriate personal protective equipment.
Consequences after contact with stinging hair
- Skin: Skin irritations such as hives, rashes, itching.
- Eyes: Irritation, redness and painful conjunctiva or calluses.
- Respiratory: irritation of the oral cavity, cough, shortness of breath, fever, dizziness and severe allergic shock, anaphylactic shock
If there is a risk that you could come into contact with the stinging hair of the oak processionary moth, the appropriate protective clothing must always be worn. The advice should be provided by a qualified consultant from the field of occupational safety. This is how you can protect yourself from this toxic danger.