Odense reopens all trails affected by oak processionary moth

All trails in Odense that were affected by oak processionary moth larvae have reopened, DR reports. Odense Municipality said the reopening does not guarantee that every larva or nest has been removed.

For weeks, the larvae and their irritating hairs led the municipality to advise people against using several trails. The restrictions disrupted some residents’ journeys to and from school and prevented others from using the trails for exercise.

The municipality reopened the trails gradually in recent days as efforts to control the infestation became easier. It said the work, which included reducing the number of larval nests, had now been completed.

However, the municipality warned that some larvae and hairs could remain. The entire trail network has been inspected, it said, and all observed nests have been removed.

The infestation became so serious that residents took to the streets in July to demand action from the municipality.