Because of the movements of the caterpillars Lisbon City Council has issued a warning and shared advice.

According to the municipality, an operational team is "in the city's different green spaces removing processionary nests".

The warn that "allergic reactions that can occur when people and animals are in contact with the fine stinging hairs of the caterpillars, which disperse through the air, and can also attach themselves to branches, tree trunks or the ground".

Therefore, during this "procession" phase you should avoid "being under the canopy of infested pine or cedar trees", do not touch or approach the nests and keep your pet away.


If you touch a caterpillar, you should contact the National Health Service (SNS) or go to a health unit if you experience itchy skin, itchy eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, a feeling of fainting or other associated manifestations. In case of emergency, you must call 112.


You should not apply creams or take any medication, and you are advised to wash or rinse the affected area with water to alleviate the symptoms.

If your pet bites a pine caterpillar, you should "take them to the veterinarian immediately", warns Lisbon City Council.