Poisonous caterpillars infest Berlin neighbourhoods: older people afraid to leave home

By Diana Resnik

Published on 07/06/2026 - 18:15 GMT+2

The oak processionary moth caterpillar has spread massively in parts of Berlin. Sports facilities and green spaces in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf have therefore been closed.

Residents around Jungfernheide have been hit hardest: door frames, cars, façades and even light fittings are affected there – a nightmare for local people.

Older residents no longer dare to leave their homes, district councillor Nico Kaufmann (SPD) told B.Z. Children are covered in blisters. According to local people, they can now only get through the day with cortisone tablets.

The danger comes from the fine stinging hairs of the oak processionary caterpillar. These hairs contain the protein thaumetopoein. They can easily come loose and spread on the wind. They are extremely small, barbed and, on contact, penetrate the skin, eyes or respiratory tract. There they trigger mechanical irritation and allergic reactions, such as severe itching, rashes, conjunctivitis or breathing difficulties. A particular problem is that the hairs remain active in old nests long after the caterpillars have left and therefore continue to pose a danger.

The health authorities are not intervening because the caterpillars are not classified as classic pests such as rats. In addition, the plant protection office prohibits the use of biocides against them. As a result, the authorities had already failed last year to tackle the caterpillars in good time.

Residents have now launched a petition. They are calling for a binding protection plan for Jungfernheide and for the whole of Berlin.