Oak processionary caterpillar: symptoms, cause and treatment
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The oak processionary caterpillar is the caterpillar of the oak processionary butterfly. Since the nineties of the last century, they are increasingly found in the Netherlands. They like a warm, dry climate and prefer oak. But the oak processionary caterpillars are not only harmful to trees, they can also cause complaints in humans. The poisonous stinging hairs of the caterpillars can sometimes cause severe allergic reactions in humans. Irritation of the eyes, skin and airways is the result, the poison of the animals can even be life-threatening. This is possible if it gives you a life-threatening anaphylactic shock. The natural enemies of the oak processionary caterpillar are parasitic wasps and parasitic flies and predators such as certain ground beetles. The great tit also likes to eat oak processionary caterpillars. In rural areas (forests) it is difficult for them to survive or to survive because of the rich presence of natural enemies, but in (peripheral) urban areas the caterpillar can run almost undisturbed.
Public health problem
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People
Who is affected by the stinging hairs?
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The hair of the caterpillars can affect anyone, young or old and male or female, but especially asthma
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11 minMain dishpeanut oil, tofu stir-fry cubes finely seasoned, stir fry sauce sweet and sour, thick noodles, carrot julienne, beetroot julienne, yellow bell pepper, watercress,rainbow salad with tofu -
45 minMain dishRed cabbage, mild olive oil, quinoa plus, forest outing, lemon, sesame oil, soy sauce less salt, Bio Today tahini white in pot, tap water,grilled red cabbage with quinoa salad -
30 minDessertBrie, Roquefort, port salut, gruyere, Camembert, walnut, garlic, thyme, honey, grape, baguette, Red onion, red grape, raisins, Red wine, Red wine vinegar, Brown sugar,generous cheese plate with onion marmalade -
30 minDessertFull Milk, whipped cream, macaroon, custard powder, vanilla sugar, sugar, protein, amaretto, almond liqueur, basic recipe cooking pears,macaroon pastry with casserole
Treatment
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Ointment or cream If a red rash develops on the arms and other parts of the body after contact with the oak processionary caterpillar, an ointment or cream with menthol, aloe vera or calendula can be used
Natural control
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The natural control of the oak processionary caterpillar appears to be a success. 80 percent fewer nests were found at a test location in 2019. 90 percent of the nests were also eaten by natural enemies of the caterpillar. Thousands of plants of dozens of species were planted in 2018 to lure natural enemies of the oak processionary caterpillars, such as parasitic wasps, parasitic flies, lacewings and hoverflies. Nesting boxes have also been installed to get birds such as great tits, blue tits, sparrows and other types of bird that eat insects to the test location.
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The natural control of the oak processionary caterpillar appears to be a success. 80 percent fewer nests were found at a test location in 2019. 90 percent of the nests were also eaten by natural enemies of the caterpillar. Thousands of plants of dozens of species were planted in 2018 to lure natural enemies of the oak processionary caterpillars, such as parasitic wasps, parasitic flies, lacewings and hoverflies. Nesting boxes have also been installed to get birds such as great tits, blue tits, sparrows and other types of birds that eat insects to the test location.