A warning has been issued over the possible health risks caused by ‘processionary’ caterpillars in France, as the seasons for both oak and pine caterpillars overlap at this time of year.
Anses, France’s national agency for food, environmental and occupational health safety, said the caterpillars’ hairs or bristles can detach and sting your skin, passing on “a very irritating and inflammatory toxic protein: thaumetopoein”.
The hairs can cause severe skin and throat reactions, blisters, conjunctivitis, and asthma attacks, including among adults.
The caterpillars are called ‘chenilles processionnaires’ in French.
Last year they were officially recognised as a harmful species in France
They can be recognised by their ‘fluffy’ bodies and tendency to move in long lines or ‘processions’. They make nests in trees and travel on the ground during their development. They can be seen on the ground or on tree bark. Their nests look like cotton wool in the branches.
There are two kinds of the ‘processionary’ caterpillar, and their seasons of ‘peak’ appearance can overlap in March-April.
Pine
Chenilles processionnaires de pin
Found near pine trees
Brown-orange in colour
Found across most of France, except some parts of the north-east (left/blue on the map below)
Seen from January to May, with a peak in March.
Ad
Oak
Chenilles processionnaires de chêne
Found near oak trees.
Greyish in colour
Found in the northern half of France, and increasing numbers of southern departments (right/green on the map below)
Begin to appear in March-April, with a peak in June, until August.
Hikers or people who spend a lot of time near trees or forests are likely to have seen the caterpillars.
They do not bite or sting. It is their hairs which are the problem and can be very irritating and inflammatory.
They can cause severe problems in children and pets, especially as they are more likely to pick them up or eat them.
They can be highly irritating even if you do not touch them. Even out of season, there is a risk, as their empty nests may still contain their stinging hairs. The hairs can also be spread by the wind.
Analysis of data from poison control centres showed that in 50% of reported cases, the people affected had not seen any caterpillars but had instead been exposed to hairs transported by wind, animal or pet fur, or gardening equipment.
The riskiest period is when the caterpillars migrate from their tree to the ground, to bury themselves in the ground before metamorphosing. Up to 300 caterpillars can then be seen in a long line coming down from the tree and continuing along the ground.
Problem symptoms
Coming into contact with the caterpillars can cause a reaction similar to that of nettle stings, including:
Red blister-like pimples
Red itchy patches, appear on the skin.
Airborne hairs can also reach the respiratory system. This causes:
Coughing
Runny nose
Sneezing
Asthma attacks (more rarely).
Finally, mouthing or touching a caterpillar with the mouth can occur in toddlers with hand-to-mouth behaviour, or pets that sniff or lick the floor when exploring their environment.
This can cause:
Swelling of the face and throat
Difficulty in breathing
Increased saliva production
Necrosis of the tongue
With heavy or prolonged exposure, the immune system can go into overdrive. This can lead to:
A sudden drop in blood pressure
Dizziness or fainting
Loss of consciousness
A study by Anses showed that less than 5% of the cases were severe, or concerned hairs in the eyes. However, eye exposure can lead to pain, tearing, redness, and swelling of the eyelids.
Severe cases can damage the cornea (keratitis) and cause persistent visual impairment.
Avoidance advice
People are warned:
Do not touch a caterpillar or go near the processions
Do not touch the ‘line’ where they have gone
Do not touch the nests. Instead, contact professionals with the equipment to intervene
Be careful with children
Avoid walking in parks and gardens where trees are affected
Keep pets away
If infested trees are near, avoid drying clothes outside. Be careful when mowing the lawn. Wash fruit and vegetables picked in the area.
When walking or spending time in infested tree areas (such as a forest), wear long, covering clothes. Avoid rubbing your eyes during and after a walk.
If you suspect contact, take a shower and rinse off any hairs as soon as possible. Change your clothes, and try to avoid scratching any irritations, which may make it worse.
In case of any suspected or worsening issues, consult a doctor or a vet as soon as possible. In case of urgent signs of distress, including trouble breathing, swelling in the mouth or throat, or loss of consciousness, call 15 or 112 (or 114 for people with hearing issues).
You can also consult an anti-poison centre or an eye doctor in case of eye irritation. Take a photo of the offending caterpillars if you can to help the medical professional identify the species.
Anti-caterpillar measures
Some areas have introduced measures designed to combat the caterpillars.
These might include a ‘collar’ around a tree trunk, which holds a bag that traps the caterpillars. They can also be controlled with biological insecticide sprayed on trees (the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis kills the larvae).
Male moths can also be attracted and trapped with pheromone boxes hung in the trees, to prevent reproduction and thus limit the outbreak. Professionals may also destroy the nests by burning them.
Their predators, including bats and certain birds, may also be encouraged, as can tree varieties that do not attract them (such as ash, birch, or cedar).
