Government Issues 'Do Not Touch' Warning Over Common Caterpillar

Here's how to spot it and what to do if you accidentally come into contact with one.

The Government has issued a warning on oak processionary moth caterpillars “ahead of peak season”.

They have said it’s important for the public to “stay vigilant” as the “pest” begins to make its hairy way onto oak trees.

Not only can they harm the iconic trees, which The Tree Council has described as being “under threat” in the UK, but they can also cause irritation “and should not be touched under any circumstances”, the Government said.

What are oak processionary moth caterpillars?

They’re the caterpillar, or the younger stage, of the oak processionary moth.

The Forestry Commission’s Oak Processionary Moth Programme Manager, Dr Edward Straw, said we might see more of these than usual as “The warm weather in spring has led to oak........

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