London's Olympic Games spectators may suffer from oak processionary moth poisonous caterpillars

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Lev Bely, 11.05.2012 20:21

The Olympic Games may be ruined with bad guests that are expected to be there right in time. Whilst the authorities are settling up missile weapons on the city roofs to protect (everybody) against potential terrorist attacks, the real threat may appear to be ordinary oak trees, exactly, poisonous caterpillars of oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) that are sheltering there. Their toxic hairs when inhaled can cause dizziness and vomiting. Each caterpillar contains 63000 poisonous hairs that can provide misery to millions of spectators. These hairs also provoke asthma attacks, skin and throat rashes, watery eyes.

Thaumetopoea processionea moth was brought to the UK in 2006 with oak trees imported from Holland, and quickly spread over the territory. Albeit officials have already eradicated over 700 nests, caterpillars are expected to increase due to the last abnormally warm winter.

Tony Kirkham, head of the arboretum at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, told that while efforts are being made, the pests are difficult to eradicate. “We use spray to keep them at bay but even the nest removals at Kew don't totally control oak processionary moths,” he said. “You can slow them down but we will never find them all. They will always keep increasing.”

Those who are about to visit the Olympics advised to stay away from caterpillars. If you notice a nest, please, inform Forest Research in the UK. If you got a rash or similar affliction, use antihistamine preparates and creams. See a doctor if you're getting worse.

NY Daily News, http://www.nydailynews.com

Photo: oak processionary moth caterpillar, Regani, http://en.wikipedia.org

Eradicating of Thaumetopoea processione nests in Holland