Odense daycare closed due to oak processionary moth infestation

Odense Municipality has temporarily closed Ørbækparken Børnehus daycare in southeastern Odense after multiple children developed rashes and itching linked to the oak processionary moth, a toxic caterpillar known locally as “Larven fra Helvede” (The Larva from Hell).

The facility, which serves 12 toddlers and around 40 preschoolers, was shut down early Monday morning following a weekend decision by the municipality in consultation with the Danish Patient Safety Authority. Parents were notified Sunday via the Aula communication platform.

Since Monday, the children have been relocated to a former daycare in the Vollsmose district, about five kilometers away. Institution leader Gitte Hermansen told DR the transition had gone smoothly, with both children and staff handling the situation calmly.

It remains unclear whether the daycare will reopen before its scheduled summer closure on Friday. The municipality is intensively treating the infestation on the daycare grounds and in the surrounding residential area, using vacuuming and heat treatment with foam to remove the caterpillars.

Odense Municipality has also advised against using three specific trails in the southeastern part of the city, which are heavily affected by the caterpillars.

Criticism has emerged over the municipality’s handling of the crisis, particularly regarding public information on how residents should respond. Office head Martin Pedersen acknowledged to DR that communication had been insufficient and pledged improvements. Michael Wognsen Frederiksen, director of the Climate and Environment Administration, noted that despite efforts, complete eradication of the oak processionary moth is unlikely, based on both local and international experience.

Parent Mikkel Kolenda, whose daughter attends Ørbækparken Børnehus, called the situation frustrating but expressed relief that the caterpillars had been detected before causing further harm.