Experts, who attribute the increase in the population of the pine processionary moth, a species unique to the Mediterranean region, in Istanbul in recent years to global climate change, have warned that people with allergies should be careful.
Although it is native to the Mediterranean region, the pine processionary moth – or the Thaumetopoea pityocampa – which causes the drying and death of red pine trees by forming tulle-like sacs on trees, has been seen frequently in Istanbul for the last few years.
Professor M. Bora Kaydan, a lecturer at Çukurova University's Department of Biotechnology and Entomology, evaluated the presence of the pine processionary insect, a long-haired caterpillar, and stated that the insect species is found in almost every part of the Mediterranean region.
"It stands out because it came out (now) in Istanbul, but it is one of the biggest problems in the Mediterranean region," Kaydan said.
Kaydan stated that this species has created serious problems for pine trees in the region for a very long time.
"The reason why it is seen so much in Istanbul is global climate change. There have been incredible changes in the climate in recent years, one of the biggest problems in the world. When we say global climate change, there are extraordinary climatic events, very heavy rains can happen in the middle of June to July. But one of the important effects is from the south. Due to the temperature increase to the north, insects also move from south to north. At the same time, they can move from the plains to higher altitudes. This is true not only for the pine processionary moth but also for many insect species. There are also many different insects that have entered our country in recent years. This is the species migration we are talking about with global climate change, the displacement of species."
Kaydan stated that if the temperature and migrations to the north continue like this, there is a high probability an increase in the population of the pine processionary moths in Istanbul, and mentioned that different insects and bacteria are used in the fight against this species.
"There is a coleoptera species used to combat it, it is quite common; there are parasitoid species, it is quite common. Other than that, there are not many species that will suppress the population. Under normal conditions, we do not recommend using chemicals in forest areas. However, there is a bacterium we call 'BT' that is effective in these. These are more used and recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Biological control is recommended and at the same time, it is recommended to protect the biological balance."
Kaydan underlined that there is no major threat to the Black Sea region.
"Because there are not many such pines in the Black Sea region, I don't think they will cross over to that side. What is happening in Istanbul is that the pines planted there are brought from the Mediterranean and grown there. The Black Sea has its own vegetation, its own unique vegetation. Probably it will not be seen much in the other parts of the country. At the same time, there is very heavy rain in the Black Sea region. For these reasons, I do not think it could be there."
Kaydan explained that pine processionary insects cause allergic reactions in humans and that even birds do not eat the species.
"All the hairs on them have chemicals that cause allergies. Therefore, they cause very serious allergic reactions, which have also been seen in those working in the laboratory environment for combating the species. It burns as soon as you touch it."
Professor Bülent Tutluoğlu, president of the Academic Respiratory Society and a chest diseases specialist, also provided information about the harm that the pine processionary moth can cause to human health.
"They can cause skin rashes and a widespread skin allergy. Normally, all insect species have the potential to create symptoms characterized by severe throat congestion and narrowing of the airways, which we call anaphylaxis in very sensitive individuals ... People with very serious allergies may experience allergic reactions that can lead to death before they can reach the hospital," Tutluoğlu said, adding that people with serious sensitivity to any insect species will react the same to pine processionary moths.
