Great tits, helpers against oak processionary caterpillars

This video says about itself:

Oak Processionary Moth nest – pupation

28 July 2014

It’s the end of July and this nest is full of cast final-instar larval skins still showing the toxic hairs which can cause severe irritation which protect any pupating moths inside the nest. The skin rash induced by the hairs was described by one researcher as “like nettle stings that last for two weeks”. Don’t try it!

Translated from regional broadcaster RTV Drenthe in the Netherlands:

Monday, April 18th, 2016, 11:18

Emmen uses great tits in combat against oak processionary

EMMEN – The municipality of Emmen has hung in recent months 120 nest boxes to combat the oak processionary caterpillar. The nest boxes are meant for great tits, which eat the caterpillars.

The boxes are mostly hung in places where in recent years there were many nests of the oak processionary caterpillar …

According to the municipality of Emmen, the great tits have found a way to eat the caterpillars. The birdies wipe the stinging hairs off the caterpillars. …

The stinging hairs of the caterpillar are harmful to humans and animals. The hairs are fired in case of threat and can get into the skin, eyes or respiratory tract.