Oak Processionary Moth: Spreewald Waterways Closed – Ministers Assess Situation on Site

Background: Why the Oak Processionary Moth Is So Dangerous

The tiny stinging hairs of the caterpillars of this nocturnal moth contain a nettle toxin and can cause skin irritation with intense itching and welts upon contact. "Die Brennhaare der Raupen können bei Kontakt starke Juckreize, Husten und asthmaartige Beschwerden auslösen", the report states. "Augenreizungen, Husten oder asthmaartige Beschwerden sind möglich."

The closures are intended not only to protect against the toxic stinging hairs, but also against hazards from trees and branches at risk of falling along the waterways. The state government is responding to a double burden on the popular tourist region.

Site Visit in Schlepzig

The minister and the minister will travel together to Schlepzig on Monday morning to assess the situation on site. "Die Landesminister für Umwelt und Infrastruktur machen sich im Laufe des Tages ein Bild von der Lage", it had previously been said. With the visit, they aim to evaluate the extent of the infestation and the effectiveness of the measures taken so far.

Control Efforts in the Prignitz and Berlin

The oak processionary moth is not limited to the Spreewald. In the Prignitz, the insect was also combated from the air by helicopter, according to the report. "In vielen anderen Regionen Brandenburgs und in Berlin waren Kommunen gegen die Ausbreitung des Eichenprozessionsspinners im Einsatz", it continued.

The authorities recommend that Spreewald tourists use alternative routes with their boats. This is intended to keep travel traffic in the region flowing without further burdening the affected waterways. The duration of the closures remains unclear according to the report and depends on the further course of the caterpillar season.

Consequences for Tourism

The oak processionary moth is considered one of the most problematic moth species in Central Europe. Its caterpillars migrate in long processions through oak crowns, leaving behind fine stinging hairs armed with nettle toxin that can be spread by the wind into shore areas and onto boats. Compounding the situation in the region is the fact that many waterways run directly beneath affected oaks.

The closure of waterways is a comparatively new step in dealing with the pest, which has been on the advance in Brandenburg for years. Until now, control efforts have focused on infested trees in forests, parks, and settlements. The current interference with boat traffic underscores the scale of this year's infestation.

The report was broadcast on 13.07.2026 on the program Deutschlandfunk. Brandenburg's state government is thus under pressure to quickly find effective measures to protect the population and tourism – especially in a region where punt rides and water hiking form the economic backbone.