Playgrounds and sports facilities across Berlin are being cordoned off as the city is battling an infestation of oak processionary caterpillars. Each one has approximately 600,000 tiny hairs which can be carried around by gusts of wind and cause skin irritation, respiratory issues and other symptoms upon contact with humans and other animals. The critters are the reason you can’t barbecue at Görlitzer Park at the moment, as there are swathes of them in the trees in that area. They are also why the summer
festival of the Jungfernheide family center, planned for today, had to be cancelled. They’ve been bothering Berliners for several weeks now and all twelve city districts have had enough. They’ve signed a joint letter to the Senate demanding help. Specifically, they want the problem recognised as a public health hazard instead of merely a plant protection issue. In the epistle, obtained exclusively by rbb, they also demand city-wide coordination of control measures and more funding to combat the omnipresent threat. As caterpillars don’t respect district
or property boundaries, the entire city has united against them because it’s not a fight any local government can win alone. Particularly concerned about our children, they demand primary focus is placed on daycare centers, schools and playgrounds, as well as on Berlin’s various sports facilities. Vacuuming up their nests, as well as using hot water or foam from pressure washers, are among the battle tactics to be utilised.
Berlin, oak processionary caterpillars, infestation, playgrounds closed, Görlitzer Park, public health hazard, Senate, Jungfernheide family center, pressure washer foam