It's so fluffy, but harmful: Toxic caterpillar heads toward Eifel Published June 4, 2012 By Senior Airman Natasha Stannard 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The Eichenprosessionsspinner, or oak processionary toxic caterpillar, is migrating toward the Eifel region May - June. It won't necessarily reach the Eifel, but people should be cautious especially when in areas with oak trees, as the caterpillar feeds on oak leaves. "A lot of oak trees are here, but I personally haven't seen [the caterpillar] in this area," said Stefan Ehlenz, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron Pest Management pest controller. The small caterpillar is covered with thin-white poisonous hairs that can cause strong allergic reactions if touched. The poisonous hairs can also break off and carry into the air. If inhaled, the hairs can cause asthmatic symptoms. Additional symptoms are similar to tick bites and may result in the following: · Skin rash · Swelling and wheals · Itching · Eye irritations · Bronchitis, coughing and asthma · Vertigo, fever and fatigue "If you touch them, your skin may get irritated, but the worst thing is getting the hairs in your lungs because it can cause asthma or breathing problems," Ehlenz said. People should go to or call the nearest hospital or emergency services if they inhale the hairs, Ehlenz added. It is also important to avoid additional contact because symptoms become worse with repeated exposure, said Klaus van den Boom, 52nd Fighter Wing Safety Office safety and occupational health specialist. People should also call the kreisverwaltung or area counsel, immediately if they see the caterpillar. The kreisverwaltung is the local authority that has proper equipment to handle the catepillar, Ehlenz said. Precautions people can take to avoid touching the caterpillar are: · Protecting the neck and forearms · After contact change clothes, shower and wash hair · Wash clothes thoroughly because the Eichenprosessionsspinner's hair may rest in cloth fibers · Do not touch the caterpillars or their nests · Do not use fire on caterpillars or their nests as their hair may be ejected into air and you will inhale them To report an Eichenprosessionsspinner sighting, call the Bitburg-Prum Kreisverwaltung at 06561-15-0.