Attention: oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata) – numerical explosion in the municipality of Chisinau

Lots complaints of Chisinau inhabitants regarding the appearance of small stinging insects were registered in the last few days. These turned out to be two species of invasive bugs - the platanus lace bug (Corythucha ciliata) and the oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata). Both species are very similar to each other – they have a few millimetres in size, white colour with black-grey spots. C. ciliata finds shelter on the Platanus sp. tree, but C. arcuata has been initially feeding on oak, but then spread to other species of trees and shrubs.

These insects are native to North America and appeared in our country with the migration and exchange of goods, in particular, through freight transport. On the European continent, the insects were observed in the mid of 1960s. After acclimatizing, forming stable populations, they spread across the continent. C. ciliata was observed in Chisinau for the first time in 2007 by Prof. Valeriu Derjanschi and namely in the centre of capital on a Platanus sp. tree. After 2010, all platanus trees in Chisinau were invaded by these insects. Later, in 2018, C. arcuata was also recorded in Chisinau.

Insects are not dangerous to humans, but they can cause allergies to some sensitive people, especially children. At the same time, insects are harmful pests for trees, because they feed on their sap. Being attacked systematically for few years, the trees can dry out. Climate change, especially warm winters, can bring us surprises in relation to these insects. Prof. V. Derjanschi, entomologist, claims that both species, due to high temperatures, can have three generations in a year in the Republic of Moldova. The only solution is to treat the green spaces in the municipality of Chisinau with insecticides (duty of the municipal Green Space Management Association).  

The appearance of these insects in mass is dangerous only for trees and not for humans. To protect yourself, we advise you to shake your clothes well after entering the house, wash the irritated area with soap and in case of allergies – consult your doctor and take an anti-allergic.

If you are allergic, we recommend wearing long-sleeved clothes and avoiding being under trees infested with insects.

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Galina Busmachiu, dr.hab., assoc.prof., head of the Laboratory of Entomology