19.04.2025 11:50
Caterpillars moving in a convoy in Arnavutköy, Istanbul, have caused concern. It has been learned that these caterpillars, known as pine processionary caterpillars, are poisonous. Experts have warned that these caterpillars should not be touched.
A convoy of pine processionary caterpillars in Arnavutköy was captured by a mobile phone camera. The caterpillar procession, which was so long that its end was not visible, drew attention. The caterpillars moving in a convoy caused concern. It was learned from experts that the caterpillars are poisonous. Experts warned that poisonous caterpillars should not be touched. It was emphasized that in case of possible contact with a caterpillar, the area should be cleaned.
FIRST TIME SEEN HERE IN ISTANBUL
Serkan Korucuoğlu, who captured the images of the caterpillar convoy in Boyalık Neighborhood, stated, "I am a village child. I am 45 years old and I have seen such a caterpillar swarm for the first time. I thought it was a sign of a natural event, I filmed the caterpillars' occurrence, I happened to come across it. Later, I realized that I had not done a good job by not touching them, these caterpillars are poisonous. They especially cause great trouble for animals. They have been seen in Tekirdağ, and I happened to capture them first. I believe this is the first time they have been seen here in Istanbul. When I learned about it, I went back but couldn't find them," he expressed.
"NO PERMANENT EFFECT, CAUSES ALLERGIC REACTIONS"
Op. Dr. İsmet Güden, who warned citizens about the issue, stated, "These caterpillars are animals that move tail to tail and are seen in forested areas between April and July. We call them oak caterpillars. People who will be walking in forested areas need to stay away from these caterpillars. The substances that fall from their hairs and mix with the air can cause itching and asthma. It starts in spring and ends in mid-summer. We need to stay away from them and wear closed clothing. There is no permanent effect, but it causes allergic reactions. In South America, there are very poisonous ones that carry deadly venom, but in our country, they only cause allergies. Foresters collect oak leaves even as a precaution because they feed on these leaves. What needs to be done is to wash the area with water immediately to keep them away. They move in a swarm towards the oak leaves, and they always later turn into cocoons, becoming oak moths and butterflies. If it is very severe, it is necessary to undergo a medical check-up," he stated.