The fine hairs of the oak processionary moth caterpillar contain a toxic protein, causing severe allergic reactions. These scenes, reminiscent of apocalyptic films, are a daily reality for residents of the settlement directly adjacent to Volkspark in Berlin. Around Heckerdamm, thousands of caterpillars cling not only to oak trees but directly to residential buildings.
A Real-Life Horror Story Unfolds in Berlin
The air in the Berlin district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, usually buzzing with the sounds of city life, is now thick with an insidious threat. Not a visible enemy, but one that has brought a vibrant community to its knees: the oak processionary moth caterpillar. These tiny creatures, with their almost invisible, toxic hairs, have launched an unprecedented invasion, turning a peaceful settlement into a zone of discomfort and fear.
It’s past 1:00 PM on a Friday, June 7th, 2026, and the sun, usually a welcome sight, now casts long shadows that seem to highlight the thousands of caterpillars clinging to every conceivable surface. House facades, car tires, children’s bicycles – nothing is spared. The settlement along Halemweg, home to over 11,000 people, has become a battleground, and its residents are the unwilling casualties.
The Silent Siege: How Caterpillars Took Over a Community
For weeks, the district has been grappling with the massive spread of the oak processionary moth. Green spaces and sports facilities have been closed, but for the residents of Jungfernheide, the situation is far graver. The toxic caterpillars have blanketed facades, cars, door frames, railings, and lights, transforming their homes into a living nightmare.
Nico Kaufmann, a 32-year-old local councilor for the SPD Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, paints a grim picture. “I’ve been receiving daily messages for two weeks from seniors who no longer dare to leave their homes, from parents whose children are covered in pustules, and from residents who can only get through the day with cortisone tablets,” he explains, his voice heavy with concern. The fine hairs of these caterpillars contain a toxic protein, causing intense itching, rashes, and respiratory problems.
Renate Biermann, a resident of Halemweg, is a testament to the struggle. Dressed in protective gear, she meticulously removes the creatures from her flowers, a daily ritual born out of necessity. On Geitelsteig, the caterpillars hang from facades and front doors, making simple acts like entering one’s home a hazardous endeavor.
The Most Vulnerable: Babies and Seniors at Risk
Avdyl G., a 33-year-old resident, shares his family’s ordeal. His wife and children have already come into contact with the caterpillars, suffering from severe itching. “We are especially worried about our eight-month-old baby,” he says, his concern palpable. Kaufmann confirms that children and seniors are particularly vulnerable, experiencing the most severe reactions.
The frustration among residents and local officials is compounded by what Kaufmann describes as a “jurisdictional ping-pong.” In this particular settlement, it’s not the responsibility of the Green Space Office (the district) to remove the nests, but rather the individual housing administrations. This bureaucratic maze has hindered a swift and coordinated response.
Furthermore, the health department is not intervening because, while the animals are allergenic, they are not considered pests like rats. The plant protection office also prohibits the use of biocides, a decision that, according to Kaufmann, led to a missed opportunity for early intervention last year.
A Community Fights Back: Petitions and Demands for Action
Nico Kaufmann, as the deputy leader of the SPD Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf faction, is demanding immediate action. “I expect the district, the Senate, and the housing companies to sit down together and solve this problem,” he states emphatically. “Preventive measures must be taken for next year. Early spraying of oak trees with biocides or nematodes, and if necessary, burning away large nests. Other cities manage it, so it must be possible in Berlin too.”
Franziska M., another determined resident, has taken matters into her own hands by launching a petition. “We are now demanding a binding protection plan – for Jungfernheide, and as a model for all of Berlin,” she declares. Her petition calls for the immediate removal of all nests as an urgent relief measure.
Beyond immediate action, Franziska M. advocates for preventive measures in the coming years. She highlights the effectiveness of biological agents like Bacillus thuringiensis, which is harmless to humans, animals, and bees. “Its early, preventive use in spring – before the caterpillars develop stinging hairs – could have prevented the mass infestations of recent years,” she argues.
The community’s resolve is evident in the numbers: more than 4,500 Berliners have already signed the petition titled “Binding Protection Plan against the Oak Processionary Moth in Jungfernheide.” Their collective voice is a powerful plea for a solution to this escalating crisis.
As the sun begins to set, casting an eerie glow on the infested settlement, the residents of Jungfernheide remain vigilant. Their homes, once sanctuaries, are now battlegrounds against a tiny, toxic foe. But their spirit remains unbroken, fueled by a shared determination to reclaim their community and ensure that no other Berlin neighborhood has to endure such a real-life horror story.
Source: https://www.bild.de/regional/berlin/eichenprozessionsspinner-in-berlin-gift-raupen-befallen-siedlung-6a2513648d84dbd8a4ed77b1
