Poisonous caterpillars have invaded the residential areas of Berlin, but sanitary services are inactive, forcing residents to take matters into their own hands.
In some areas of Berlin, the oak processionary caterpillar has spread massively. As a result, sports facilities and green spaces in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf are closed.
The residents of Jungfernheide are suffering the most: there, the hairs of the caterpillars have already covered door frames, cars, building facades, and even streetlights – a real nightmare for people.
Elderly people are already afraid to leave their homes, said district assembly member Nico Kaufmann (SPD) to the B. Z. newspaper. Children are covered in blisters. Residents say they can only endure the day thanks to cortisone tablets, according to reports.
The danger comes from the tiny stinging hairs of the oak processionary caterpillar. These hairs contain the protein thaumetopein. They easily detach and are carried by the wind. The hairs are extremely small, have hook-like barbs, and penetrate the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract upon contact. There, they cause mechanical irritation and allergic reactions: severe itching, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, or difficulty breathing. Particularly problematic is that the hairs remain active for a long time even after the caterpillars leave their old nests, thus continuing to pose a danger.
Sanitary services do not intervene, as caterpillars are not considered classic pests like rats. Furthermore, the plant protection agency prohibits the use of biocides against them. As a result, last year, they essentially missed the moment when it was still possible to deal with the caterpillars in time.
Residents have now launched a petition. They demand a mandatory protection plan for Jungfernheide and for all of Berlin.
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