Disturbing information comes from the commune of Białośliwa (Greater Poland Voivodeship). It turns out that the caterpillars of the oak pageant have appeared there. It would not be surprising, if not for the fact that these insects can be dangerous to humans and animals. The commune authorities have already taken steps to remove the threat. Get to know the details of this case.
- The authorities of the Białośliwa commune (Wielkopolskie Voivodeship) warn against the toxic caterpillars of the Debówka procession, which have settled in the roadside trees
- Caterpillars can be dangerous to humans. Contact with them causes, among others itchy rash, skin allergies, and in extreme cases, even anaphylactic shock
- The mayor of the commune, Krzysztof Rutkowski, argues that the situation has been brought under control. Spraying was carried out, thanks to which a large part of the caterpillars was removed
- You can find more up-to-date information on the TvoiLokony home page
At the beginning of July, the authorities of the Białośliwa commune issued a statement in which they warned the inhabitants against contact with the caterpillars of the Dębówka pageant. They were noticed, inter alia, in the area of the Dębówko village council. Caterpillars settled mainly on roadside willows.
«Contact with caterpillars (approx. 3 centimeters) is hazardous to health, it can cause severe irritation to the skin and mucous membranes in humans and animals. (…) It is recommended to avoid the habitat in the near future, not to stop under trees»- we read in the announcement.
Fortunately, the situation was brought under control quite quickly. At least, this is what mayor Krzysztof Rutkowski claims in an interview with TVN Meteo.
«The spraying was sprayed yesterday in the worst section, there was a forester and an office worker on the spot. We will control the site, but we can already see that the vast majority of caterpillars have been annihilated. We will spray another spray within seven days, just in case. The measure has already turned out to be effective, and the weather, namely rain, helped us to control the situation. We saw that the natural forces of nature were also at work, because birds appeared in the area »- argues Rutkowski.
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Further part below the video.
What is the risk of contact with the caterpillars of the Debówka Promenade?
The oak pageant is actually a small nocturnal butterfly. Its main food is oak leaves. The butterfly itself does not pose a threat to humans. The situation is slightly different with its larval form. Before, the butterfly is a caterpillar. Her body is covered with short bristles. It is she who poses the greatest threat to humans.
When our body comes into contact with these bristles, severe allergic reactions can develop on it. The same goes for our mucous membranes. The caterpillar bristles have irritating properties. It can cause an itchy rash, dermatitis, and in extreme cases, even anaphylactic shock.
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In what places can you most often find the Dębówka pageant caterpillar? As the name suggests, they are located mainly on oaks, and more precisely on their trunks. In the evenings, they form a characteristic procession. Caterpillars together climb the trunk of the tree branches. This is how they manage to reach the leaves. As we have already mentioned, they are their main food.