Beware of stinging hairs from processionary caterpillars!In spring, in
the forest or yard, you might have come throughout a line of caterpillars adhering to each other in single file. These “processionary” caterpillars are bugs with stinging hairs.
Pine and oak processionary caterpillars are insects that reside in swarms in pine or oak trees. They obtain their name from the truth that they comply with each other in file. Their spreading can deteriorate trees.
The hairs of these caterpillars are incredibly irritating. They can cause inflammatory reactions, generally influencing the skin (inflammation, itching, skin pain, localised oedema, hives as well as occasionally little blisters), eyes (conjunctivitis, eye watering, eye discomfort) as well as breathing system (coughing, respiratory pain), which can occasionally be serious in the exposed people or pets. You can experience signs also without touching the caterpillar, as it can drop its stinging hairs, which are then lugged very easily by the wind.
The yearn processionary caterpillar is found over a very large part of France, largely in the south, centre as well as west of the nation. It is generally seen in between January and also May.
The oak processionary caterpillar is most common in the north-east, the Paris region and north-western France, yet might also be discovered in southerly regions. It is mostly seen between April as well as July.
Along with the poison control centres, ANSES evaluated the various cases of damaging results related to stinging hairs from processionary caterpillars, reported in France in between January 2012 as well as July 2019. The outcomes are offered in the November 2019 issue of Vigil’Anses (in French)
How can you safeguard yourself from processionary caterpillars?
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