A MASS of caterpillars has raised health concerns for Morningside residents while people who work in the area have reported itching skin and rashes.
Lisan Pillay, who works in the area, said she experienced some relief when the trees were sprayed about four months ago, although the itching sensation has returned in recent weeks.
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“It burns and itches, and when you bath, it’s a nightmare – it flares up. I sit at my desk with insect-repellant spray, antihistamines – you name it,” she said.
Ward 27 councillor Ernest Smith said the caterpillars usually reappear at the beginning of the spring months.
“It’s seasonal – the caterpillars are here at the start of spring for about a month or two, maybe even three, and then they die off,” he said.
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Smith added that the eThekwini Fire Department is expected to spray the trees on Saturday, October 22. He urged residents not to take matters into their own hands.
“Some residents have taken to spraying the trees themselves. There is an environmental concern here as birds could eat the caterpillars and die.”
Also commenting on the issue was Paul Williams of Avonmore Super SPAR.
“We are extremely concerned about this issue. We are doing everything we can to address it, working with our ward councillor [Ernest Smith],” he said.
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