PSA: Oak Processionary Caterpillar can be found all over the country again. Stay clear and report nests you find.

Hey lovely people,

The oak processionary caterpillar (processierups) is active again and can be found all over the Netherlands. They're a species of moth whose caterpillar stage exclusively affects oak trees. The caterpillars will form nests on the oak trees, sometimes in rather large groups, as shown in the image. You can see these nests most commonly starting mid-May until the end of June.

These caterpillars are a problem because, not only do they impact the trees, but the caterpillars are covered in urticating hairs that can give a nasty rash or worse. DO NOT APPROACH THESE NESTS.

Instead, use the BuitenBeter app (available for Android and iOS) to report these nests to your local municipality. Include a picture of the nest if possible for easy locating.