Mathias-Bauer School closed on 25 June

An infestation of oak processionary moths has once again been detected on the school grounds of the Mathias-Bauer-Schule in Bad Wildungen. The district authority has therefore decided, in consultation with the school management, to close the school on Thursday 25 June and has already commissioned a specialist firm to remove the caterpillars. The grounds must not be entered until then. The work is expected to be completed by Friday, 26 June, after which lessons will resume as normal. The Ense School is not affected by the closure.

Distance learning and emergency childcare
On Thursday 25 June, there will be no regular face-to-face lessons at the Mathias-Bauer-Schule. Emergency childcare will be provided for all pupils from the first to the sixth lesson. The parents of pupils at both schools have already been informed of this by the school management. A specialist contractor has already been commissioned to remove the caterpillars from the oak trees, taking appropriate safety precautions.

If you experience symptoms following contact, seek medical advice
Oak processionary moths are inconspicuous moths whose caterpillars move along oak trees in characteristic ‘processions’. They also pose a health risk to humans, as their stinging hairs contain a toxin that can cause, amongst other things, skin irritation, breathing difficulties and allergic reactions. Contact with the insects or their webs should therefore be avoided. Anyone who has come into contact with them should shower immediately and wash their clothes at 60 degrees to rinse off the urticating toxin. Any symptoms, such as skin rashes, breathing difficulties or allergic reactions, should be assessed promptly by a doctor.

Background: Oak processionary moth
The oak processionary moth has been known in the Waldeck-Frankenberg district since 2019. The pest can generally occur in all areas with oak populations. The number of sightings has been increasing since then, which indicates a further spread of the moths.

Keywords:

Oak processionary moths Report the location of oak processionary moths