# Oak and pine procession moth spread – Aug 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/germany-steps-up-fight-against-oak-processionary-moth-as-larvae-become-active
> Updated: 2026-08-14T15:57:19.000Z. Sources: 134. Developments: 46.

Since July 2026, the oak processionary moth has surged across Germany and beyond, prompting an unprecedented public-health response. In Berlin, districts such as Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and Spandau closed parks and school yards as nests were removed with asbestos-grade vacuums. In Bremen, the environmental department recorded approximately 6,200 cases, a sharp increase from 900 the previous year, with municipalities anticipating expenses of at least €100,000 for specialized removal.

The outbreak has expanded into Switzerland, where a nest was discovered in the residential area of Holziken, Aargau, leading to warnings for residents and pets. In Denmark, heavy infestations have been reported in Odense, with authorities deploying drones and gas burners to control larvae. Scientists have noted that Denmark is also facing other invasive species, such as the ant Lasius neglectus, which may be accelerated by climate change.

In Germany, the State Office for Construction and Transport (LBV) announced that waterways in the Lower Spreewald, which had been restricted since mid-June, are once again navigable following moth-related closures. However, some sections near the Schlepziger Mühle lock remain restricted due to ongoing construction.

Concurrently, the pine procession moth (Thaumetopoea pinivora) continues its expansion in Brandenburg’s forests. Authorities emphasize that climate-driven milder, drier springs are the key driver of both oak and pine moth proliferation, necessitating coordinated monitoring and public-education efforts to protect health and ecosystems.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: Lower Spreewald waterways reopen after moth infestation

Waterways in Germany's Lower Spreewald have reopened to boat traffic after being closed due to oak processionary moth infestations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lower-spreewald-waterways-reopen-after-moth-infestation

### 2026-08-03: Denmark battles oak processionary moth and invasive ant infestations

Denmark confronts a surge of invasive pests, with the oak processionary moth ravaging trees in Odense and Berlin, and the ant Lasius neglectus forming super‑colonies that threaten homes and infrastructure.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denmark-battles-oak-processionary-moth-and-invasive-ant-infestations

### 2026-07-31: Oak processionary moth outbreaks reported in Switzerland and Germany

Switzerland’s Holziken and Germany’s Bremen report oak processionary moth nests, issuing health warnings and costly removal efforts.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-moth-outbreaks-reported-in-switzerland-and-germany

### 2026-07-29: Oak processionary moth threatens public health in Germany

Germany’s oak processionary moth spreads urticating hairs that cause skin, eye and respiratory reactions; authorities recommend washing, 60 °C laundering and antihistamines.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-moth-threatens-public-health-in-germany

### 2026-07-25: Pine procession moth proliferates across Brandenburg's pine forests

The pine procession moth is spreading across Brandenburg’s pine forests, aided by milder winters. Districts warn of health risks from its urticating larvae, while officials stress preventive measures.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brandenburg-moth-infestations-force-waterway-bans-and-alarm-tourists

### 2026-07-21: Oak processionary moth closures eased in Brandenburg's Spreewald

Brandenburg reopened several Unterspreewald waterways after oak processionary moth hazards; other stretches stay closed as the pest causes skin and respiratory irritation.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brandenburg-waterways-reopened-after-oak-processionary-moth-hazard

### 2026-07-20: Oak procession moth outbreak prompts zoo closures and alarms Nordic nations

Oak procession moths, linked to German oak imports, are infesting Denmark and threaten the wider Nordic region, prompting health warnings and a temporary zoo closure.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denmarks-oak-processionary-moth-may-selfregulate-after-record-summer

### 2026-07-16: Oak Processionary Moth Infestation Spreads Across German Regions

The oak processionary moth is spreading across Germany, causing skin, eye and breathing issues; authorities are issuing warnings, closing public areas and using mechanical and biological control methods.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germanys-oak-processionary-moth-spread-forces-safety-actions

### 2026-07-13: Germany battles invasive oak pests as moths and lace bugs threaten forests

Germany faces a dual threat to oak trees: specialists cleared oak processionary moth nests in Heppdiel, while invasive oak lace bugs spread rapidly in Karlsruhe, endangering forest health and public safety.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-battles-invasive-oak-pests-as-moths-and-lace-bugs-threaten-forests

### 2026-07-13: Toxic 'hell' larva spreads in Denmark, could reach southern Norway

A toxic caterpillar dubbed “the larva from hell” has spread across Denmark, prompting costly control efforts and playground closures, and could soon establish in southern Norway.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/toxic-hell-larva-spreads-in-denmark-could-reach-southern-norway

### 2026-07-12: Invasive 'devil's larva' caterpillar reaches Poland, forces playground closures

The ‘devil’s larva’ caterpillar has moved from Denmark to Poland, causing allergic reactions and leading to playground and path closures while officials push monitoring and reporting apps.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/invasive-devils-larva-caterpillar-reaches-poland-forces-playground-closures

### 2026-07-09: Germany faces €2.8 million cost and waterway closures amid oak processionary moth outbreak

Germany’s Bremen faces €2.8 million in oak processionary moth cleanup costs, while Brandenburg closes half its Unterspreewald waterways to protect public health amid a climate‑driven pest surge.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-faces-28-million-cost-and-waterway-closures-amid-oak-processionary-moth-outbreak

### 2026-07-08: Oak processionary moth spreads across Denmark and Poland, prompting alerts and control measures

The oak processionary moth, dubbed “larva from hell,” is spreading in Denmark and now Poland, prompting public alerts, reporting apps, and control plans to curb allergic reactions from its hairs.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/danish-towns-warn-of-oak-processionary-moth

### 2026-07-06: Germany's oak processionary moth spreads, prompting local actions in Hamburg and Saarland

Germany sees rising oak processionary moth infestations, with Hamburg's senate criticized for lacking a citywide plan and Saarland reporting the pest in all forest districts, prompting warning signs and area c‑

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germanys-oak-processionary-moth-spreads-prompting-local-actions-in-hamburg-and-saarland

### 2026-07-02: Denmark faces split weekend weather and escalating oak moth health concerns

Denmark will see sunny north/east and rainy south this weekend, while a heat‑driven oak moth outbreak in Odense and Kerteminde raises public health concerns.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denmark-faces-split-weekend-weather-and-escalating-oak-moth-health-concerns

### 2026-06-30: Mysterious rash outbreak in Odense linked to oak processionary caterpillars

Odense residents suffer severe itchy rashes after contact with oak processionary caterpillars; authorities boost control efforts but keep the trees.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mysterious-rash-outbreak-in-odense-linked-to-oak-processionary-caterpillars

### 2026-06-30: Oak processionary moth spreads across Swiss and German towns, prompting tree removals

Switzerland sees record oak processionary moth reports, warning of health hazards, while a German town decides to fell infested trees to protect residents.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-moth-spreads-across-swiss-and-german-towns-prompting-tree-removals

### 2026-06-29: Germany battles widespread oak processionary moth outbreak

Germany faces a sharp rise in oak processionary moth infestations, with health risks from toxic hairs prompting warnings, area closures and targeted nest‑removal in cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Karlsruhe and

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-towns-intensify-fight-against-oak-processionary-moth

### 2026-06-29: Berlin parks shut as poisonous processionary caterpillar spreads across Europe

Berlin parks close as poisonous processionary caterpillar spreads across Germany, Poland, England and the Czech Republic, prompting costly removal efforts and health warnings.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/berlin-parks-shut-as-poisonous-processionary-caterpillar-spreads-across-europe

### 2026-06-26: Oak Processionary Moth Outbreak Forces School and Pool Closures Across Germany

Oak processionary moth infestations have closed a Bremen school, prompted adhesive treatment of 120 nests in Bad Waldsee, and forced temporary pool closures in Detmold, with health authorities warning of severe

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-oak-processionary-moth-closes-bremen-school-detmold-pools

### 2026-06-24: German cities Koblenz and Barum report low oak processionary moth activity

Koblenz reports low oak processionary moth levels, while Barum issues health warnings and plans nest removal in 2026.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-cities-koblenz-and-barum-report-low-oak-processionary-moth-activity

### 2026-06-24: Oak processionary moth triggers rash warnings across German regions

German health agencies warn of itchy rashes from oak processionary moth hairs, grass mites and lake larvae; Weißenburg reports cases while Wertheim deploys specialist crews to treat high‑risk trees near schools

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-moth-triggers-rash-warnings-across-german-regions

### 2026-06-24: Oak processionary moth infestations spark health warnings across German towns

Germany sees rising oak processionary moth infestations in cities such as Schweinfurt, Kassel and Dillenburg, prompting health warnings and professional removal efforts; authorities advise avoiding contact and,

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kassel-battles-oak-processionary-moth-infestation-affecting-300-city-trees

### 2026-06-23: Germany battles oak processionary moth outbreak, closing Berlin parks

Germany’s oak processionary moth outbreak forces park closures in Berlin as authorities use protective gear and vacuum machines to remove toxic caterpillar nests, blaming climate‑driven spread.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-confronts-oak-processionary-moth-outbreak-in-parks

### 2026-06-23: Germany battles oak processionary moth outbreak with health warnings and control measures

Germany sees low oak processionary moth levels in Koblenz but high numbers in Nuremberg forest, prompting health warnings and biological control actions nationwide.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-battles-oak-processionary-moth-outbreak-with-health-warnings-and-control-measures

### 2026-06-20: Germany warns of oak processionary moth outbreak

German cities, including Hannover and Hamburg, report a surge in oak processionary moth caterpillars, issuing health warnings and removing nests as the toxin‑bearing insects spread due to warmer springs.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-warns-of-oak-processionary-moth-outbreak

### 2026-06-16: Germany's oak processionary moth outbreak triggers health alerts in Berlin and beyond

Germany faces uneven oak processionary moth impacts: Berlin closes sports sites, Munich reports one case, Düsseldorf sets traps, while DWD issues daily warnings amid health concerns.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germanys-oak-processionary-moth-outbreak-triggers-health-alerts-in-berlin-and-beyond

### 2026-06-15: Oak processionary caterpillar outbreak in Brittany raises health warnings

Brittany faces an unprecedented oak processionary caterpillar outbreak, with health risks from urticating hairs; authorities urge vigilance and preventive measures while distinguishing harmless garden caterpill

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-caterpillar-outbreak-in-brittany-raises-health-warnings

### 2026-06-15: Oak processionary moth triggers public safety measures in German towns

German towns Körle and Melsungen warn residents about oak processionary moth infestations, outlining health risks and urging reports while professional crews remove nests in public areas.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-moth-triggers-public-safety-measures-in-german-towns

### 2026-06-15: Oak processionary moth infestation spreads across German cities, prompting coordinated control efforts

Germany’s Bremen and Berlin cities face a widespread oak processionary moth outbreak, prompting health warnings and coordinated removal efforts in public areas.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-moth-infestation-spreads-across-german-cities-prompting-coordinated-control-effort

### 2026-06-13: Germany battles oak processionary moth invasion, closing schools and parks

Germany faces a hazardous oak processionary moth outbreak, prompting school and park closures and aerial insecticide spraying across multiple states.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-battles-oak-processionary-moth-invasion-closing-schools-and-parks

### 2026-06-13: Oak Processionary Moth Outbreak Triggers Broad Control Measures in Bavaria and Coburg

A strong oak processionary moth infestation in Coburg and several Bavarian highways has prompted city and Autobahn crews to remove nests with specialized equipment to protect public health.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-moth-outbreak-triggers-broad-control-measures-in-bavaria-and-coburg

### 2026-06-13: Germany battles oak processionary moth outbreak, closes schools and sports fields

Germany faces a nationwide oak processionary moth outbreak; toxic hairs force school and sports field closures, while helicopters spray insecticide to protect public health.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-sees-health-gains-from-quitting-smoking-and-oak-caterpillar-crisis

### 2026-06-11: German cities shut schools and parks over oak processionary caterpillar outbreak

German cities, especially Berlin and Bavaria, are closing schools, parks and sports fields as oak processionary caterpillar nests spread, prompting a citizen‑made map and specialist removal efforts.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-cities-shut-schools-and-parks-over-oak-processionary-caterpillar-outbreak

### 2026-06-10: Oak Processionary Moth Leads to Closure of Berlin Sports Facilities

An oak processionary moth outbreak in Berlin’s Mitte district forced the temporary closure of three sports venues as authorities work to remove toxic larvae and protect public health.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-moth-leads-to-closure-of-berlin-sports-facilities

### 2026-06-10: Germany battles oak processionary moth outbreak in Berlin and Hasselroth

Berlin districts and Hasselroth authorities warn of oak processionary moth spread, citing health risks, park infestations, costly control measures and temporary site closures.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-battles-oak-processionary-moth-outbreak-in-berlin-and-hasselroth

### 2026-06-10: Poland warns of African swine fever spread and toxic oak caterpillars

Poland's Łódź governor urges biosecurity after African swine fever cases, while municipalities warn of toxic oak processionary moth larvae spreading in three regions, posing health risks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-warns-of-african-swine-fever-spread-and-toxic-oak-caterpillars

### 2026-06-08: Oak processionary caterpillar spreads across several Polish regions

Oak processionary caterpillars have been found in three Polish regions; their toxic hairs cause allergic reactions in people and pets, prompting health warnings and removal instructions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-caterpillar-spreads-across-several-polish-regions

### 2026-06-07: Berlin residents grapple with oak processionary caterpillar infestation

Oak processionary caterpillars have infested Berlin parks, causing skin and respiratory issues; officials have limited response, prompting residents to demand protective measures.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/berlin-residents-grapple-with-oak-processionary-caterpillar-infestation

### 2026-06-07: UK Government Warns Public Not to Touch Oak Processionary Moth Caterpillars

UK officials warn the public to avoid touching oak processionary moth caterpillars, citing health risks and higher infestations, and urge reporting sightings via TreeAlert.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-government-warns-public-not-to-touch-oak-processionary-moth-caterpillars

### 2026-06-07: Berlin faces widespread oak processionary moth infestation

Berlin's oak processionary moth outbreak forces park closures and threatens public health with toxic hairs, prompting resident petitions for a citywide protection plan.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/berlin-faces-widespread-oak-processionary-moth-infestation

### 2026-06-04: Denmark tackles oak processionary moth larvae outbreak in Fyn and Zealand

Denmark battles invasive oak processionary moth larvae on Fyn and Zealand, with officials using protective equipment and a multi‑hundred‑thousand‑kroner plan, while gardeners in Zealand resort to cutting down,‑

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denmark-tackles-oak-processionary-moth-larvae-outbreak-in-fyn-and-zealand

### 2026-06-02: Oak processionary moth spreads in German cities, prompting health alerts

Oak processionary moth larvae have spread in Karlsruhe and Main‑Kinzig, Germany, triggering biocide treatments and public warnings about allergic skin and respiratory reactions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-moth-spreads-in-german-cities-prompting-health-alerts

### 2026-05-29: Oak Processionary Moth Outbreak Raises Health Alerts in Berlin and Bavaria

An oak processionary moth infestation in Berlin’s Charlottenburg‑Nord district and warnings from a Bavarian adviser highlight growing health risks from the caterpillar’s urticating hairs, urging avoidance and专业

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-moth-outbreak-raises-health-alerts-in-berlin-and-bavaria

### 2026-05-24: Oak processionary moth larvae become active in Berlin

Berlin's oak processionary moth larvae are active, now in the third stage with irritating hairs; the Plant Protection Office warns of health risks and slower development than last year.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-processionary-moth-larvae-become-active-in-berlin

### 2026-05-18: German counties deploy helicopters to combat oak processionary moth

Helicopters are being used in Germany’s Prignitz and Stendal districts to spray insecticide against the oak processionary moth, a health‑hazard pest.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-counties-deploy-helicopters-to-combat-oak-processionary-moth

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Cite as: Oak and pine procession moth spread – Aug 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/germany-steps-up-fight-against-oak-processionary-moth-as-larvae-become-active