The oak procession caterpillar, a small but vicious animal that causes a lot of nuisance every year in some areas of Belgium and the Netherlands. Let's go into this annoying plague and what you can do to deal with it.
The oak procession caterpillar, the larva of the oak processioc moth, is a moth that can be found almost everywhere in Europe. This butterfly lays its eggs in the peaks of oak trees, where they spend winter.
In April and May the caterpillars hatch from their eggs. After a number of boredoms they are fully grown, but it is especially after the third skin, around mid-May until the end of June, that they cause problems. At that time they develop fire hairs, which can cause serious complaints when contact is made.
The caterpillars are recognizable by their greyish grey colour with light-colored silks and long white hairs. But beware, these white hair are not the notorious hairs of fire.
By the end of July, the caterpillars transform into butterflies and disappear the greatest danger. The name'ecken processioner'is derived from their habit of creeping into the leaf deck of oak trees at night in long rows of the nest, hence the term'procession'.
The caterpillars make nests of bored skin, feces and, yes, fire hairs. These nest and bald-eaten leaves indicate their presence.
But what exactly do these hairs cause? Well, they are responsible for a variety of discomforts, mainly due to the release of histamine in contact. This can range from itchy skin rashes to inflammation of the eyes and airways. And because the hairs are small, they can easily be spread by the wind even if there is no direct contact with the caterpillars.
How can you treat complaints? For the skin, it is best to rinse the affected areas with soap and water and avoid scratching. In case of severe complaints, it's advisable to consult a general practitioner. For irritations to the eyes and airways, the same applies.
What can you do if you suffer from oak procession caterpillars in your area? Try to avoid any contact with the caterpillar, wear protective clothing and report the nuisance to the municipal council so that they can take appropriate measures.
Although the oak procession caterpillar is an annoying appearance, with appropriate precautions and a quick response to any complaints you can minimise the inconvenience.
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