London officials warn the public of potential health hazards related to this year's oak processionary moth caterpillar infestation.
Treatment programs are already underway and are expected to continue until May or early June when the creatures prepare to pupate.
Caterpillar Infestation
The London Forestry Commission has announced that oak processionary moth or OPM caterpillars were spotted emerging from their egg plaques last April 16. Although their emergence is actually later than expected because of the cold weather, the creatures may still prove potentially hazardous to the health of people, animals, and even the trees in which they reside.
As such, officials are working to inform the community on the right measures to take during the infestation, especially in early May when the caterpillars will have developed the long, toxic hairs on their bodies. It's also around the time when the caterpillars descend from the trees and will likely be large enough to be seen.
OPM Caterpillars' Threat
OPM caterpillars are considered pests that were just accidentally introduced to Britain. They have long, white hairs that can be toxic to humans, animals, and even the trees they eat and reside in, oak trees.
Their thousands of hairs contain an irritating substance called thaumetopoein that may be blown by the wind, getting in contact with people and animals. It can cause skin rashes as well as eye and throat irritation, and sometimes even breathing difficulties. Furthermore, the caterpillars may also deliberately release these hairs as a defense mechanism from predators and threats.
Thus, the public is urged to avoid getting in contact with the caterpillars or their nests as these are likely to have a lot of hairs. Moreover, it would also be wise to teach children not to touch or approach the caterpillars and to keep pets restrained so as to avoid contact.
The caterpillars also threaten oak trees because they mostly eat leaves of the species. They only eat other types of leaves once there are no more oak leaves to eat. As a result, the oak trees are left bare, more vulnerable to attacks, and unable to withstand extreme stresses such as floods and droughts.
The caterpillars, originally native to Europe, may completely spread throughout Britain if left uncontrolled. The public must, therefore, call the Forestry Commission once they notice nests in their own trees and to call a health care provider in cases of serious allergic reaction.
Identifying OPM Caterpillars
OPM caterpillars may be identified by their distinctive long, white hairs, as well as their nose-to-tail processions, either in oak trees or on the ground. These creatures live almost exclusively in oak trees and often gather together in clusters.
Their nests on oak branches and trunks are often silken white and dome or teardrop-shaped but soon change in color.
