The invasive species is attracting the attention of UK authorities and scientists because it is considered toxic to the country’s vegetation. The public is being warned about the presence of the insect, which can cause severe skin rashes, eye irritation, and even cause asthma attacks in humans and animals.

UK authorities are concerned about the invasion of “poisonous caterpillars” that can cause asthma – Photo: Flickr/@Hereistom/Reproduction/ND

According to the portal R7, anxiety goes against the arrival of summer in Europe. During this period, processional oak caterpillars spread uncontrollably through trees and shrubs. This is because the leaves are more beautiful at this time of the year and the plant attracts the attention of these animals.

According to Fiokruz (Oswaldo Cruz Foundation), the caterpillar is a nocturnal insect, it feeds at night and gathers on tree trunks during the day.

Caterpillars are native to Portugal.

Thaumetopoea processionea is known as the “oak procession”, the insect is the larva of the most common moth species in Portugal. As the name suggests, the nests are found in the bark of oak trees.

Native to Portugal, the caterpillar arrived in the UK in 2006 from elsewhere in Europe. Since then, it has not ceased to spread throughout the region.

According to data collected in 2022 by the Forestry Commission in England, 225 Britons were injured by the caterpillar. For understanding: in 2014 there were only 12 cases, and in 2019 their number jumped to 55.

The only way to deal with and end caterpillar nests is by spraying with a biopesticide that contains specific bacteria that are deadly to the species, authorities say.

*According to the portal R7.