- Germany, especially Berlin, is facing an aggressive outbreak of oak processionary caterpillars — parks and playgrounds are cordoned off and crews in protective gear are using vacuum lifts to remove toxic nests.
- The caterpillars have microscopic barbed hairs that can cause rashes, eye irritation and breathing problems; authorities advise not to touch them, to clean clothes after park visits and to keep windows/doors closed.
- Hot, dry weather and climate change are helping the pest spread (hotspots include Berlin, Hamburg and North Rhine-Westphalia), and locals have created maps to track infestations.
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