Odense’s oak caterpillar fight costs at least 15 million kroner

Odense Municipality has spent at least 15 million kroner this year fighting the oak processionary caterpillar, far more than expected, DR reports.

Mayor Peter Rahbæk Juel and Minister for Nature and Animal Welfare Christian Rabjerg Madsen met in Odense on Tuesday to discuss the municipality’s experience with the caterpillar, which is also known as the “caterpillar from hell”.

Odense had set aside 10 million kroner for the campaign earlier this summer, but the final bill has grown beyond that amount. The mayor is calling for a national action plan so municipalities across Denmark are better prepared next year.

“There should not be too much of a talking club about this, because we need to have a strong strategy that works from 2027,” Rahbæk Juel said.

He also said municipalities such as Odense should be able to receive financial support, and that private individuals should have easier access to pest control if the caterpillar is found on their property.

Rabjerg Madsen agreed that a national action plan is needed, but said he could not promise financial support for municipalities.

“It is not as if I have pockets full of dollars, but we will have to discuss with the parties in the Danish Parliament, and we will also discuss with the municipalities how we can help in a way that makes sense,” the minister said.

The meeting was held ahead of discussions between the parliamentary parties on how the oak processionary caterpillar should be handled in the longer term.