2024-01-16 05:00:00
They are already there. Usually, the caterpillars begin their procession when the temperatures are milder but, for several weeks, they have already established themselves in certain regions of France, such as Île-de-France. The guilty ? “Global warming,” immediately points out Marilou Mottet, national environmental technical referent and coordinator of the Observatory of species with issues for human health at Fredon France. The caterpillars are dependent on the thermal amplitude, which leads them to go out to feed or not, precisely when to go out to feed and their speed of development depends on the temperature. But the current weather conditions are changing everything. »
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In France, there are two species of processionaries: those of the pine and those of the oak. The first are more present in the south of the country but they tend to settle everywhere. Oak processionary caterpillars are less visible in the South but are more established in the Grand Est region. “This year, in certain regions, we are witnessing early processions, usually not at this time. With global warming, this exceptional situation will occur more and more often. This will become the norm,” warns Marilou Mottet. Since April 2022, these moth larvae have been classified as harmful to human health.
Eye, skin and respiratory damage
If the processionary caterpillar does not sting or bite, it has another formidable hidden weapon: these silks. These numerous hairs detach from the caterpillar’s body, fly and can quickly reach many human and animal targets. Specifically, the hairs contain an irritating protein called thaumetopoein. “Eye exposure can cause pain, tearing, redness, swelling of the eyelids. In the most serious cases, the hairs can also cause damage to the cornea (keratitis) and persistent vision problems,” reports ANSES.
“These hairs can cause skin, respiratory, ocular and digestive reactions. We are all sensitive to this toxic protein but, in some people, the reactions are even more severe because they are allergic,” warns Marilou Mottet. If you have been in contact with the hairs, it is recommended to shower, wash your hair and change your clothes. If caterpillar hairs are dangerous for humans, they are also dangerous for animals. In dogs in particular, they can cause necrosis of the tongue.
How to react if you notice the presence of processionary caterpillars?
“If they are in an area with little traffic, leave them alone. Caterpillars are essential for the proper functioning of the ecosystem: they should not all be destroyed. On the other hand, we must protect ourselves if they are in a risky area,” recommends Marilou Mottet.
To limit the presence of these caterpillars, it is possible to prevent the butterflies from reproducing and not allowing the caterpillars to go to the pupation sites. “If you have caterpillars in a pine tree, you can set a collar trap around the trunk. The caterpillar will look for the earth to bury itself, it will be fooled by the bag. For the oak caterpillar, this technique does not work because the caterpillars do not descend,” explains Marilou Mottet. And to complete: “It is complicated to get rid of processionary caterpillars yourself because adequate equipment is necessary. Also be careful not to burn the pine thorns which are easily flammable.” Nests can be burned by specialists.
During the year, a new platform dedicated to reporting the presence of processionary caterpillars should see the light of day. It will allow you to inform a community representative and obtain advice.
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