Fight against the toxic caterpillars: Oak processionary spinners are targeting!

Fight against the toxic caterpillars: Oak processionary spinners are targeting!

In the district of Gütersloh, special measures are currently underway to contain the oak processionary population. The roadmasters Halle and Wiedenbrück, supported by colleagues from Bielefeld, have started to treat trees affected by state -of -the -art spray vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with high -performance pumps and special spray heads and have an eight -meter -long telescopic arm that enables threadworms to spray directly into the tree tops. These nematodes are mainly injected at night because they are sensitive to light and can dry out in sunlight, such as nw.de reported.

The oak processionary spinner has been spreading not only in Germany for several years, but also in East Westphalia-Lippe (OWL). The caterpillars of this butterfly species are not only undesirable, but can also cause serious health problems. Your toxic broken hair can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and breathing difficulties. Walkers and garden owners are therefore asked to stay away from affected trees and to block affected areas if necessary.

spread and health risks

The caterpillars of the oak processionary spinner, which reach a body length of about four to five centimeters, are up to 500,000 brain hair equipped with the Thaumetopein nettle poison. These can be spread over hundreds of meters due to the wind and cause symptoms such as strong rash, itching, fever and even allergic shocks. The caterpillars are particularly active in early summer, from the end of May to the end of June, and they hatch at the end of April. This is reported oekotest.de .

Another problem is the sometimes insufficient message of nests. Although it is not mandatory, it is helpful for the authorities if citizens report endangered nests immediately. The dense, white -looking brains of the caterpillars are particularly visible on oaks when they pupate.

use of nematodes

To combat the problem more effectively, nematodes of the Steinernema Feltiae type are used. The aim is to reduce the leaf -eating and harmful caterpillars of the oak processionary spinner. In a research project, a methodology for the application of these nematodes in the crown area of ​​oak is currently being developed. The first preliminary tests have shown that adaptation of conventional spray devices of aircraft for the application of living nematodes makes sense. This also includes the examination of various formulations with moisturizing additives to increase the effectiveness, such as nw-fva.de reports.

The fighting of the oak processionary moth is not only important for the health of the residents, but also for the preservation of the welcome nature in the region. House owners who are affected by an infestation bear the cost of combating itself, with some of the costs being tax deductible. It remains to be seen how the new methods for combating long -term promise of success will show.