Health warning over hairy caterpillars that can cause rashes and asthma attacks

22 April 2023 , 16:32

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The critters have up to 60,000 toxic hairs (Image: Getty Images)

An army of toxic caterpillars is on the march and poses a “hazard” to human health.

Some 255 people fell ill after a run-in with the creepy-crawlies last year, up from 56 in 2021.

The critters – from the larvae of oak processionary moths, which arrived here 17 years ago in a ­shipment of trees from Holland – have up to 60,000 toxic hairs.

Contact can cause skin rashes and asthma attacks, plus eye and throat ­irritation, vomiting and fever. The caterpillars, which feed off oak trees, were first spotted in London and have spread across the home counties. They travel two miles a year and are expected to reach Birmingham in 10 years.

The caterpillars can cause skin rashes

The Forestry Commission’s Andrew Hoppit said: “They are a hazard to human and animal health. Curious animals such as dogs are most vulnerable.”

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The caterpillars also pose a risk to our 121 million oak trees.

They emerge between March and July, then turn into moths.

People are urged to report their nests – white and tennis ball-sized – to the Forestry Commission.

Stian Alexander