A hairy mission for Belgian troops

Soldiers will be deployed to Belgian forests to tackle millions of hairy caterpillars that are causing allergic reactions, a military spokeswoman said.

Procession caterpillars, so-called because they march in lines, are covered in long, toxic hairs, which cause dermatitis and respiratory problems.

“About 24 soldiers and airmen will be deployed to help the fire brigade and civil protection authority,” spokeswoman Ingrid Baeck said. She said the soldiers would use blowtorches to burn the insects off trees.