UK council issues urgent warning over dangerous caterpillars

UK council issues urgent warning over dangerous caterpillarsThe caterpillars, which are active between late spring and early summer, are most commonly found on oak trees. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Ciaran McGrath, Senior News Reporter 16:34, Sun, May 31, 2026 Updated: 16:34, Sun, May 31, 2026 An oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars (Image: DEFRA / SWNS)Toxic caterpillars whose hairs can trigger breathing problems and painful skin irritation have sparked an urgent public warning after being spotted in Surrey. Woking Borough Council has urged residents to avoid contact with oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars and their nests, warning that the insects can pose risks to both people and pets.The caterpillars, which are active between late spring and early summer, are most commonly found on oak trees. While small in size, they are covered in thousands of tiny hairs containing toxins that can cause health problems if touched or inhaled. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Read more: UK hedges 'under siege' from invasive caterpillars 'need action today' Read more: Warning issued to households with dogs and children in gardens Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more Subscribe Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy PolicyOak processionary moth: Dangers of caterpillars explained window.scriptsToLoad.push({url:'https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=121567&vp_content=embed7ea9c0yipvkl&playerApiId=v1121567',triggeredBy:'tcfLoaded',containerId:'ovp-primis1',title:'Primis player 1',onload:()=>{window.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',function(e){if(e.detail.playerApiId==='v1121567'){const primisPlayer=e.detail;const co...