“The caterpillar from hell” found in Copenhagen

The oak processionary moth has now been found in the Municipality of Copenhagen. Nests containing caterpillars have been detected in three oak trees on the outskirts of Amager Fælled.

The discoveries were made as part of the preventive efforts of the Climate, Environment and Technical Administration. The nests were found in oak trees around three circular parking areas by Artillerivej on Amager.

The municipality is now working to have the nests removed before the weekend, and information signs will be put up in the area.

“We had hoped it would take longer before the oak processionary moth reached Copenhagen. Now it is here, and we are prepared and are starting to combat it in the places where it has been found,” says Mette Baungaard, area manager at the Climate, Environment and Technical Administration in the Municipality of Copenhagen.

She states that the municipality has long been aware of the risk that the oak processionary moth could reach Copenhagen.

“That is why we allocated funds well in advance for staff training, traps and control measures. Our goal now is to contain and combat the oak processionary moth so that it does not spread uncontrollably,” says Mette Baungaard.

The Municipality of Copenhagen has asked an external pest control operator with specialised knowledge of the oak processionary moth to remove the nests.

The municipality will also investigate whether the caterpillars have spread to other oak trees in the surrounding municipal areas and will continue monitoring the traps that have been installed in oak trees in other districts.

People who find the oak processionary moth in oak trees in their own garden or allotment garden are encouraged to contact a pest control service.