Netherlands Battle Surging Oak Caterpillars

The Netherlands is facing a major oak processionary caterpillar outbreak, worse than ever, with pests now emerging from underground and found in 6% of checked oak trees — up from 4.5% last year. Each caterpillar carries hundreds of thousands of stinging hairs that cause painful rashes and allergic reactions, and even after they’re gone, their hairs linger in old nests, still dangerous. Experts warn this is just the beginning unless control efforts ramp up — stay alert, these pests are far from defeated. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/26c119898d91ba83