Life-Threatening Pest Confirmed in Munich: Lußsee Area Closed Due to Oak Processionary Moth
Munich, June 28 – The Oak Processionary Moth has been confirmed in Munich, prompting the city to close an area at Lußsee. This measure was taken due to the acute danger posed by the caterpillars’ stinging hairs to both humans and animals. The confirmed presence marks a significant health concern for residents and visitors.
Confirmed Case at Lußsee Leads to Area Closure
As confirmed by the city in response to inquiries, a single case of the Oak Processionary Moth was identified via the machmünchenbesser.de platform in a green area in the northwest of Munich. This is the only confirmed case in Munich to date. Consequently, an area at Lußsee has been cordoned off. A spokesperson for the Department of Construction stated, “Two small areas with a total of 11 trees in the vicinity of Lußsee and the parking lot on Goteboldstraße have been identified as affected.” The department is responsible only for “areas under its care on municipal property.”
According to the Munich Health Department, property owners are responsible for removing Oak Processionary Moths on private land. This includes “mechanical control by a specialized company (suction), regular follow-up inspections of affected areas by garden maintenance, and increased monitoring of oak trees in the surrounding area.” The affected areas will remain closed until a negative finding can be established, with warning signs indicating the dangers.
Significant Health Risks Associated with Oak Processionary Moth
The stinging hairs of the Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars, from the third larval stage onwards, contain the nettle toxin Thaumetopoein. The Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) warns that contact with these hairs can cause acute irritation and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Eye Contact: Can lead to acute conjunctivitis with redness, light sensitivity, and severe swelling of the eyelids. If the hairs penetrate the cornea, it can cause keratitis.
- Inhalation: May result in irritation and inflammation of the throat and respiratory tract, and in some individuals, shortness of breath.
- Allergic Reactions: Particularly dangerous for individuals with severe allergies, as the toxin can trigger a systemic immune overreaction. Anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition, can lead to rapid blood pressure drop, throat swelling, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, cardiovascular failure.
The Bavarian State Institute for Forestry and Forest Management (LWF) explains that “the acute danger from the stinging hairs is greatest during the caterpillar feeding period.” Due to their long durability, the caterpillar hairs accumulate over several years in the environment, especially in undergrowth and ground vegetation. They can also adhere to clothing and shoes, “triggering new allergic reactions upon contact.” The very fine stinging hairs break easily and can be carried over long distances by air currents in favorable weather conditions.
Widespread Distribution in Bavaria and Surrounding Areas
The night moth has been increasingly spreading in Germany in recent years, according to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH), attributed to warmer and drier weather conditions. The moth is currently spreading rapidly in Bavaria, with massive infestations recently detected in Nuremberg, Würzburg, and Coburg, as well as along several Franconian highways.
Several cases have also been reported in the Munich district. In Unterschleißheim, an avenue was affected; in Garching, a section of the cycle path along the Schleißheimer Canal in Hochbrück; and in Unterföhring, the Feringasee. However, according to the district office, nests and animals have since been removed from the popular bathing lake. Cases have also been reported in Eching (Freising district).
The city of Munich urges residents to exercise caution and report any suspected sightings of the Oak Processionary Moth to the relevant authorities. Public safety remains a top priority, and ongoing monitoring and control measures are being implemented to mitigate the risks associated with this invasive species.
Source: Munich City Administration, BMLEH, LWF
