Strutting Through Pinewoods: A Word of Caution on Pine Processionary Caterpillars
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As you venture out for hikes in pine forests or tend to your trees in the home garden over the coming weeks, especially in the southwest, be cautious! The German Weather Service (DWD) warns us about the pine processionary caterpillar, whose potentially harmful hairs are now prevalent in many regions.
The danger lies in the larvae’s hairs, which can cause skin irritation and in severe cases, breathing difficulties or even an allergic shock. The larvae, which can be up to three centimeters long and are brown-yellow or gray-black, are primarily found on pines and can be tricky for the casual observer to identify late in the season, says FVA expert Lea Dieckmann.
Living in colonies, these caterpillars gruffly march through the pinewoods like a procession, hence their name. Their nests are distinctive round webs covered in stationary larvae.
Dieckmann advises maintaining a safe distance if signs of the larvae are apparent, staying on established paths in forests. "By no means should you touch the larvae," Dieckmann warns. Also, avoid contact with their droppings, such as webs or molted remains.
Shouldyou find yourself accidentally brushing up against the larvae or their droppings, it's crucial to clean the area thoroughly, change clothes outdoors, and wash them at 60 degrees. A thorough shower and hair wash are also recommended after contact.
Whilst Dieckmann estimates the risk of encountering the dangerous larvae this year to be lower than in previous years, she notes that the situation in Baden-Württemberg is currently calm, with no major occurrences predicted. However, local infestations may still appear, for example, in the Stuttgart area and the Ostalb region.
Finden Sie sich im Umgang mit den gefährlichen Larven der Pine Processionary Caterpillar unter Berufung auf Experten wie Lea Dieckmann. Die Käferlarven der Thaumetopoea pityocampa verfügen über gestachelte Haare, die ihr Umfeld bedrohen können. Gerade wenn die Larven ihrem Kollolen-Ritual nachahmen und locker verworrenes Gewebe in Baumwipfeln bilden, sollten Sie sich aufhaltend verhalten und sich von ihnen fernhalten. Gleichzeitig sollte man auch ihren Picken, also deren Würfelfähigkeiten, und Webresten fernbleiben.
Im Falle eines Kontakts mit den Larven oder ihren Picken müssen Sie versuchen, dies umgehend zu beseitigen. Sobald die Kontaktflächen gründlich gewaschen worden sind, sollten Sie ihre Kleidung außerhalb des Hauses waschen und sie bei 60 Grad trocknen. Eine ausführliche Dusche und ein Kopfwaschen sind ebenfalls vorteilhaft.
Whilst Dieckmann schätzt die Wahrscheinlichkeit der Entdeckung der gefährlichen Larven im Jahr im Vergleich zu früheren Jahren als niedrig ein, sieht sie das heutige Klima in Baden-Württemberg gelassen aus, ohne dass es zu ernsthaften Vorkommen kommen würde. Dennoch können sie lokal verTreten sein, etwa im Raum Stuttgart und Ostalb.
- Larvae
- Freiburg
- Southwest
- Baden-Württemberg
- DWD
- Rhine
- Stuttgart
- Ostalb
Additional Insights
- Habitat and Activity: Pine Processionary Caterpillars favor pine forests and are typically active from late winter to early spring. During this period, they usually form processions in search of safe places for pupation.
- Regional Distribution: In Baden-Württemberg, these caterpillars can be found in various regions with dense pine forests, such as the Black Forest (Schwarzwald).
- Seasonal Fluctuations: Prevalence can vary between years, depending on factors like weather conditions, food availability, and natural predators.
If you're seeking more detailed or current information, local forestry services or entomological organizations in Baden-Württemberg can provide updates on the current situation, including any notable sightings or infestations in the area. Additionally, scientific studies can offer in-depth insights into the behavior of these fascinating creatures.
- In Baden-Württemberg, the pine processionary caterpillars can be found in various regions with dense pine forests, such as Freiburg in the southwest.
- When in pine forests, it is crucial to be cautious and avoid contact with the larvae or their nests, especially in regions like Stuttgart and the Ostalb region, as their hairs can cause skin irritation and breathing difficulties.
