Overview

• Aalen barred outdoor play and public events as nest densities surged, prompting biocide spraying and plans for helicopter treatments in 2026.
• Berlin’s Bezirksämter lack a citywide control strategy, leaving districts to individually close or fence sports fields and playgrounds based on local infestations.
• Specialized pest-control firms face staff and equipment shortages, driving vacuum-removal costs into the €1,000–€4,000 range per tree and extending closures.
• Oak processionary caterpillar hairs can drift meters on the wind carrying thaumetopoein toxin that triggers severe dermatitis, respiratory distress and eye irritation in humans.
• Pet owners are urged to steer clear of infested zones as dogs risk life-threatening allergic reactions and asphyxiation, and the DWD’s PHENTHAUproc map provides daily outbreak monitoring.