Oak Processionary Moth Map
🐛Oak Processionary Moth Map
Overview of all reported findings
About this page
This map shows all reported oak processionary moth findings. Green markers indicate active caterpillars or a procession (acute hazard), red markers indicate old silk nests whose setae remain active for a long time. The setae can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions – please keep your distance, do not touch caterpillars or nests, and report an infestation on public land to the responsible parks department.
What is the oak processionary moth?
The oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is an inconspicuous night-flying moth whose caterpillars feed almost exclusively on oak leaves. In spring and early summer the caterpillars pass through several larval stages, moving along the trunk in the eponymous processions – long chains of sometimes hundreds of animals – to their feeding sites in the crown.
To pupate, the caterpillars build dense silk nests on trunks and branch forks. Infested oaks are found not only in forests but often along roads, in parks, near playgrounds and in gardens – exactly where people and pets spend time.
Why are the stinging hairs dangerous?
Older caterpillars carry fine stinging hairs containing an urticating toxin. On contact, the hairs can cause skin rashes with severe itching, eye inflammation and irritation of the airways; allergic reactions are also possible.
The hairs break off easily and are carried by the wind. Old, abandoned nests therefore remain dangerous for years – the map shows them as a separate category.
What to do if you find one
Keep your distance from caterpillars, processions and nests, and never touch them. Keep children and dogs away too – dogs often pick up the stinging hairs while sniffing.
Never remove nests yourself. On public land, the local parks department is the right contact; on private property, a specialist company. Also report the find in the app so other people nearby are warned.
How reporting works in the app
Open the report dialog in the app, switch to the “Warnings” tab and select the oak processionary moth. Indicate whether you found active caterpillars or a procession, or an old silk nest.
The report appears on this map immediately: green markers stand for active caterpillars (acute danger), red markers for old nests. Active reports stay visible for 90 days by default, nests for up to a year. Other users can confirm a report with “Still there” or “Gone”.
Frequently asked questions about the oak processionary moth
How do I recognise the oak processionary moth?
The caterpillars are grey-brown, very hairy and move in long lines – the processions – along oak trunks. The dense, whitish-grey silk nests on trunks and branch forks of oaks are also typical.
Are old, empty nests dangerous too?
Yes. The stinging hairs accumulate in the nests and remain irritating for years. Never touch fallen or old nests either – they are shown as red markers on the map.
What should I do after contact with stinging hairs?
Change your clothes, rinse skin and hair thoroughly with water and do not scratch. Seek medical advice in case of strong skin reactions or problems with your eyes or airways.
What happens to my report?
Your report is stored anonymously and appears on the public map. Users nearby can receive push notifications, and others can confirm with “Still there” or “Gone” whether the danger persists.
Also interesting: hedgehog sightings
Besides warnings, the community also reports wildlife – for example hedgehogs, which have been on the red list since 2024. All hedgehog reports are collected and analysed on a dedicated map. To the hedgehog map
Report an oak processionary moth infestation
With the free Wildtier-Sichtungen app you can report active caterpillars or old silk nests in seconds and warn others nearby about the toxic stinging hairs.
