[Skybird]

The oak processionary moth epidemy reaches the level of state politics. The ministry of health issues severe warnings and say that things have gotten worse, especially here in the Münsterland county. Medical offices are overcrowded with patients suffering from heavy allergic skin reactions, eye injuries, circulation problems and breathing problems, all caused by contact with the poisonous hairs of the loppers. Emergency ambulances of hospitals are stuck. More schools, open-air baths and parks got evacuated and shut down.

I live in a house with six appartments. Inhabitants in three of these six are hit, and we do not even have nests in our vicinity or street.

I report this only because there is a risk that this thing gets underestimated, because many people sitll have never heard of this aninmal, or may think it is some local news filling the summer news hole. Believe me, it is not that. And it is spreading in several countries of Europe, its a foreign, invasive species.

The state government tries to hire specialists from surrounding countries now who can help collecting nests with vacuums, amongst them French, Dutch and Danes. All local businesses and companies offering pest control, are already engaged and work even beyond their capacities.

These animals may be small and tiny, but they really pull off a show this year.


The hairs not only hold a poisonous proteine causing the allergic reaction, but also are very fragile and covered with microscopic barbs. They not only stick to surfaces and skin they get into contact with, but then break into pieces like splintering crystal and work themselves into the top layers of the skin and underlying tissue, making it even more difficult to remove them again (and very dangeorus if you get them into the eyes). The scars they can leave if things go really bad and extreme, remind of burnings and peeled flesh. The protein causing the allergic reaction also affects the cardiovascular system and breathing apparatus. By experience I can tell you, the itching is nerve-killing, and very heavy.