Every year, as the warm days return, processionary caterpillars leave their nests to form their characteristic long lines. Behind this spectacle lies a real danger: since decree no. 2022-686 of 25 April 2022, pine and oak processionary caterpillars have been officially listed among the species whose proliferation is harmful to human health. Driven by ever milder winters, they gain ground towards the north of France every year.
Why processionary caterpillars are dangerous
The danger does not come from a bite, but from the microscopic urticating hairs the caterpillar releases as soon as it feels threatened. These hairs contain a protein, thaumetopoein, which is extremely irritating. Volatile, they spread with the wind and can cause, without even touching the caterpillar:
- itching and severe skin rashes;
- conjunctivitis and eye irritation;
- breathing difficulty, coughing or attacks in sensitive people;
- allergic reactions that may require medical attention.
The risk is major for pets. A dog that sniffs or licks a caterpillar can suffer necrosis of the tongue and, without prompt care, die from it. If contact occurs, do not rub the area, rinse abundantly with water and consult a doctor or vet.
Pine or oak: how to tell them apart
The pine processionary weaves white cottony nests that are clearly visible at the tips of pine and cedar branches. In late winter and spring, the caterpillars come down in a procession, single file, to bury themselves in the soil. The oak processionary stays on the trunk and large branches of oaks, where it forms nests pressed against the bark. Its activity generally runs from April to July, the period when the risk of exposure is highest.
