Experts say these caterpillars found in Florida have venomous hairs
By Dave McDaniel
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GAINESVILLE, Florida (WESH) — Look but don’t touch this pretty-looking caterpillar because it might cause an allergic reaction.
Spring brings warmer weather, pollen and caterpillars waiting to become butterflies and moths.
“This time of year, we start to see all kinds of caterpillars coming out,” Dr. Adam Dale with the University of Florida said.
One of the most attractive, the tussock moth caterpillar, while stunning in appearance, can also give you something you didn’t bargain for if you pick one up.
“The problem is that they are like little porcupines. Those hairs will get caught in the skin, and cause an irritation and they have a little venom as well, so it’s important for the kids to stay away from them,” Dr. Norman Leppla with UF said.
That is a warning for parents as kids visit playgrounds and enjoy recess outside where caterpillars may be hanging out.
“There are several caterpillar species that have these hairs or spines that can get into the skin, and can cause potentially an allergic reaction,” Kevin Baker with the Seminole County Health Department said.
Baker says if you do touch a caterpillar, using tape sticky side down, you can pull the spines out in many cases.
“It’s good for the kids just to stay away from them,” Leppla said.
But if they don’t, what should you do?
“Just use the same over-the-counter medications that people would use for poison ivy, things that are anesthetic for the skin to stop the pain,” Leppla said.
Dale says each person is different so caution is crucial.
“Don’t pick it up with your bare hands, have garden gloves on or something if you need to pick it up,” Dale said.
Is there another potential remedy?
“I advise people to wash it off as well, but you have to be careful because you can move those spines around,” Leppla said.
Getting back to the initial advice: don’t touch. And in about a month, the caterpillars will be well on their way to moths and butterflies.
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