Overview
- Local officials say the outbreak now affects nearly every oak in Syke and the city has mapped and marked infested trees to track the problem.
- The caterpillars carry microscopic toxic hairs that contain thaumetopoein and can cause skin rashes, eye irritation and breathing problems in people and animals.
- Syke is prioritizing specialist vacuum removal at high‑use public sites and has contracted firms at about €165 per tree with €55,000 set aside this year for prioritized cleanings.
- The municipality has installed roughly 350 tit nest boxes as a long‑term trial to encourage birds that eat the caterpillars, but officials say this will not bring immediate relief this season.
- Officials reported on June 29 that some larvae have begun to pupate, which may mark the seasonal peak, while warnings continue for residents to avoid touching nests and to seek medical help after exposure.