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Germany Faces Toxic Caterpillar Outbreak Affecting Parks and Public Health

KVIA•Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 12:57 PM•CNN Newsource

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Germany is currently dealing with a significant outbreak of poisonous oak processionary moth caterpillars, which pose serious health risks including rashes, conjunctivitis, and respiratory issues. The infestation has led to the closure of parks, particularly in Berlin's districts of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Spandau, and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Authorities are using specialized equipment to remove the caterpillars and their nests from infested trees, with damage limitation as the primary goal. Residents are advised to clean their clothing after visiting affected areas and to keep windows closed. The situation is exacerbated by climate change, which has increased the caterpillar's prevalence in Germany.

Key Details: • Avoid parks in affected areas, especially Wilhelm-von-Siemens-Park in Spandau. • Ensure clothes are cleaned after visiting parks to prevent exposure. • Keep windows and doors closed to minimize indoor contamination. • 2,000 trees in Jungfernheide park are infested; workers aim to clear 20 trees daily.

environment health public-safety parks infestation

People & Organizations

BerlinBritta WunderwaldDerk EhlertCharlottenburg-WilmersdorfSpandauWilhelm-von-Siemens-ParkJungfernheideFriedrichshain-Kreuzberg

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