A new early warning system for oak processionary caterpillars covering the whole territory of Germany is now available online with free access. The tool, called “PHENTHAUproc,” provides daily assessment and forecasting of the risks associated with this insect, both to the health of tree and to the heald of humans and animals.
Developed by the Forest Research and Experimental Institute of Baden-Württemberg (FVA) and the University of Vienna (BOKU), and hosted by the German Meteorological Service (DWD), the system uses temperature-based models to provide forecasts up to 7 days in advance.
It offers a risk map, with a resolution of 1 km², integrating up-to-date phenological data and weather forecasts from the DWD. Detailed information is available for each area.
The system makes it possible to anticipate critical periods of larval and pupal development for the assessment of the risk of oak defoliation and health problems related to the caterpillars’ stinging hairs.
This free tool was developed for forestry and tree maintenance professionals, forest owners, authorities, companies, recreational site managers, and the general public.