Oak Processionary, Loonse en Drunense Duinen, Netherlands

Despite a general ignorance and disinterest in the insect world by the masses, there are exceptions. Such as the "eikenprocessierups", which became part of common vocabulary in recent years.

It is an infamous plague insect that has rapidly spread across the country. When the larvae are threatened, their microscopic "fire hairs" are released and carried by wind, a health hazard to people and pets.

In summer, it is now common for specialized services to check all oak trees and remove any nest they can find. A more natural way to fight them is by predation, lots of local birds eat them, but you need more birds than currently available.