What happens if a caterpillar bite you?

In contact with human skin, they can cause pain, rashes, itching, burning, swelling, and blistering. Avoiding caterpillars is best. Remove spines by applying and removing tape to strip the irritating hairs and spines out of the skin.

What happens if you touch a moth caterpillar?

The hairs can break off in your skin, causing a rash. Some of the bristles contain venom that can cause serious inflammation, or worse. Some hairy caterpillars are in fact harmless, but always consult an identification guide before handling a mystery caterpillar.

How do you treat a caterpillar bite?

Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain. Create a paste using baking soda and water and slather it on the affected skin to reduce itching. A hydrocortisone cream also may be used. Take an oral antihistamine (such as Benadryl®) if the reaction to the sting worsens.

What do you do when a hairy caterpillar bites you?

Remove irritating caterpillar hairs. If the caterpillar was on the skin, apply adhesive tape (such as duct or masking tape) to the site, then pull it off. Repeat as needed until all hairs are removed. Apply calamine lotion to the affected area, and then ice.

Are ASP moth caterpillars poisonous?

Puss Moth Caterpillar (Asp) Stings. They are one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America. Puss moth caterpillars are endemic to the southern US and live in shade trees and shrubbery around homes and schools and in parks. The asp caterpillar produces 2 generations a year, leading to a bimodal peak in late spring and late fall.

What is a puss moth caterpillar?

Puss moth caterpillars (Megalopyge opercularis), of the order Lepidoptera, are also known as asps. They are one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America.

What does an ASP moth caterpillar look like?

Puss moth caterpillars are endemic to the southern US and live in shade trees and shrubbery around homes and schools and in parks. The asp caterpillar produces 2 generations a year, leading to a bimodal peak in late spring and late fall. They are teardrop shaped and, because they have long silky hair, resemble a tuft of cotton or fur.

What is a stinging hag moth caterpillar called?

The stinging hag moth caterpillar is sometimes called the monkey slug, which seems a suitable name when you see what it looks like. It’s hard to believe this is even a caterpillar.