Furesø halts tree purchases over invasive caterpillar threat

Furesø Municipality has suspended all imports of trees from Funen, the Netherlands, and Germany to prevent the spread of the oak processionary moth, known locally as the “larva from hell,” DR reports.

The caterpillar, whose hairs can cause skin and eye irritation and, in rare cases, respiratory distress, has not yet been detected on Zealand. However, it has spread to several cities near Odense, prompting closures of playgrounds and a kindergarten after children developed rashes and itching.

Gert Clausen, head of the municipality’s maintenance department, said staff are now inspecting oak trees more thoroughly before planting, focusing on new shoots where the larvae are typically found. He urged residents not to transport oak branches or similar materials from affected areas to avoid accelerating the spread.