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Urticating insect · Thaumetopoea processionea

Processionary caterpillars

The oak processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea processionea) is present in Belgium, especially in Flanders and the north of the country. Its thousands of microscopic hairs release an urticating substance dangerous to humans and animals alike.

Processionary caterpillars

The caterpillars live in colonies on oak trees and move in single file — hence their name. They weave beige silky nests on trunks and branches. Their urticating hairs, released on contact or by the wind, cause intense itching, skin rashes, conjunctivitis and respiratory discomfort. The risk persists even after the caterpillars leave, as the hairs remain active in the nests and on the ground. Intervention involves vacuuming the nests with protective equipment, or applying a biological treatment (Bacillus thuringiensis) in spring on the young caterpillars.

Questions fréquentes

Ce que vous demandez

Why are processionary caterpillar hairs dangerous?

Each caterpillar carries hundreds of thousands of microscopic hairs containing an urticating protein (thaumetopoein). On contact with skin, eyes or airways, they cause itching, redness, conjunctivitis and sometimes serious allergic reactions. Animals, dogs especially, are highly exposed when sniffing the ground.

When should processionary caterpillars be treated?

The preventive biological treatment (Bacillus thuringiensis) is applied in spring, on the young caterpillars. Once the nests are formed (late spring and summer), the intervention involves vacuuming them mechanically. Never wait: the bigger the colony, the more urticating hairs are dispersed.

Can I remove a nest myself?

No. Handling a nest or caterpillars without full protection exposes you to severe urticating reactions, and burning disperses the hairs into the air. Removal must be carried out by an equipped technician who vacuums the nests, neutralises the hairs safely, and disposes of the waste in a regulated manner.

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