Berlin Districts Urge Senate for Centralized Approach to Oak Processionary Moth Infestation
Berlin, June 11 – The oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is increasingly becoming a widespread nuisance in Berlin. The city’s twelve districts have formally requested the Berlin Senate’s intervention and support in managing the hairy caterpillars and their nests, emphasizing the need for a coordinated, city-wide response.
In a letter addressed to Governing Mayor and Finance Senator Stefan Evers (CDU), Health Senator Ina Czyborra (SPD), and Environment Senator Ute Bonde (CDU), the districts highlighted that “the oak processionary moth is no longer a local problem confined to individual streets or parks. The population is spreading across districts.” This appeal follows earlier reports by the rbb broadcaster.
Reclassifying the Threat: From Plant Protection to Public Health
A key demand from the districts is for the oak processionary moth to be reclassified as a public health concern, rather than primarily a plant protection issue, as it has been viewed in the past. This reclassification would underscore the potential health risks posed by the caterpillars’ irritating hairs, which can cause severe allergic reactions, skin irritations, and respiratory problems in humans. The districts are advocating for a city-wide, centrally coordinated strategy, including inter-district information exchange, common standards, and a harmonized approach by specialized authorities.
The districts are also seeking financial assistance from the Senate. According to the letter, some individual districts anticipate costs exceeding 500,000 euros for control measures in 2026. The Senate Administration has not yet commented on the letter.
Affected Areas and Mitigation Efforts
According to district reports, several green spaces are particularly heavily affected. These include Hasenheide in Neukölln, Volkspark Wuhlheide, Siemensstadt in Spandau, Schlosspark Schönhausen in Pankow, and Volkspark Jungfernheide in Charlottenburg. The district of Tempelhof-Schöneberg alone reportedly has approximately 6,000 oak trees, many of which are susceptible to infestation.
In response to the growing problem, several districts, including Pankow, Treptow-Köpenick, and Mitte, have initiated measures to remove the caterpillars and their nests by suction. These efforts are particularly concentrated in high-traffic areas such as bus stops and playgrounds. In Berlin-Mitte, three sports facilities were preventively closed due to a “massive infestation” of the oak processionary moth.
Neukölln’s Environment City Councillor, Jochen Biedermann, stated that the district spent over 80,000 euros last year on suctioning the oak processionary moth. Biedermann emphasized the broader implications, noting that “the oak processionary moth practically demonstrates the consequences of climate change.”
Health Risks and Public Advisory
The oak processionary moth is a grey-brown nocturnal moth with a wingspan of only 25 to 30 millimeters. The tiny stinging hairs of the caterpillars can trigger severe allergic reactions, skin irritations, and respiratory problems. Sensitivity often increases with repeated exposure. The Federal Environment Agency advises avoiding affected areas with infested trees as much as possible.
The moth derives its name from the distinctive behavior of its caterpillars, which march in long lines, resembling a procession, from their nest to the tree canopy at night to feed.
Further articles on this topic include information on oak processionary moth allergy and dermatological complications caused by the hairy caterpillars.
