Following a notable spread of the oak processionspinder, popularly known as the “hellish caterpillar” or “hellish caterpillar,” Danish municipalities are intensifying their preparations to confront the spread of the caterpillar after it was detected in seven municipalities, amid health warnings and political demands to launch a national plan to limit its spread.
Scientific explanation
The correct scientific term is “larva” and not “worm.” The word “larva” is the scientific translation of the Danish word larve, and it refers to the immature stage of the life cycle of some insects, butterflies, and moths, while the word “worm” is used for true worm-like organisms, such as earthworms and parasitic worms, although the general public may use it metaphorically to refer to larvae.
Spread and preparations
The oak processionary caterpillar was spotted in the municipalities of Odense, Nyborg, Kerteminde, Nordfyn, København, Morsø, and Herning.
In contrast, the municipalities of Assens, Faaborg-Midtfyn, Middelfart, Svendborg, Slagelse, Esbjerg, Hillerød, Dragør, Faxe, Kalundborg, Ringsted, Frederiksberg, Randers, Horsens, and Køge announced their readiness for the possible appearance of the larva by preparing emergency plans, coordinating with pest control companies, installing nesting boxes for birds that feed on it, and using electronic applications that allow citizens to report any suspected sightings, with the procedures differing from one municipality to another.
Experts: No need to panic
TV2 quoted Thomas Pape, an entomologist and associate professor at the National Museum of Natural History at the University of Copenhagen, as saying that describing the insect as a ”hell caterpillar” is an exaggeration. He confirmed, in statements reported by the Ritzau news agency, that there are no known deaths resulting from contact with this caterpillar.
Professor Emeritus Hans Peter Ravn of the University of Copenhagen described the current reactions as a “mass overreaction,” noting that a number of European countries have been living with this insect for years.
Calls for action and natural solutions
Several opposition parties have called on the government to launch an urgent national plan to combat the spread of the larva, while Marie Bjerre, the environmental spokesperson for the Venstre party, confirmed to TV2 that the problem is no longer limited to Odense.
In contrast, Michael Ørsted, an associate professor at Aalborg University, called for a focus on supporting the caterpillar's natural enemies, such as birds, bats, and parasitic wasps, rather than relying on pesticides, stressing that completely eradicating them seems unrealistic.
Invitations to use the Arter app
The Green Areas and Aquatic Environment Conversion and Management Authority called on citizens to use the “Arter” application to verify the identity of the larva before reporting it, while the Patient Safety Authority recommended avoiding contact with the larvae or their nests, washing skin and clothes thoroughly when exposed to their hairs, and seeking medical help if severe symptoms or difficulty breathing appear.
Agria's chief veterinarian, Mogens Brix, also urged dog owners to avoid areas where the larvae are suspected to be present, as their toxic bristles could cause serious injuries to animals.
