Pine procession moth proliferates across Brandenburg's pine forests

The pine procession moth (Thaumetopoea pinivora) is rapidly expanding in Brandenburg, Germany. Milder winters linked to climate change are creating ideal conditions for the pest, which feeds on pine needles and moves in long procession chains. District authorities in Neuruppin, Ostprignitz‑Ruppin and Teltow‑Fläming have issued warnings, advising the public to avoid contact with the larvae whose urticating hairs can cause severe skin, eye and respiratory reactions in humans and animals, including dogs.

The infestation spreads along the Fläming‑Belziger landscape near the Polish border and has been observed previously in Scandinavia and Poland. In addition to the pine species, a recent surge of the oak procession moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) prompted temporary waterway closures in the Unterspreewald, affecting local tourism. Brandenburg’s environment and infrastructure ministers, Hanka Mittelstädt and Robert Crumbach, highlighted the health risks and the need for preventive measures as the moth’s main activity period runs from July to August, later than the oak moth’s May‑July window.