Fuzzy Caterpillars With Venomous Sting Found In Georgia

GEORGIA — If you spot a harmless, even cute-looking long-haired caterpillar in your backyard in Georgia, stay away. They're easy to spot. The caterpillars look like they are wearing a wig.

The University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences said the puss caterpillar can be quite harmful if you touch one. The "hairs" of the puss caterpillar are venomous spines that cause a painful reaction if touched.

A Georgia man who was stung on Friday by one of the caterpillars told WSB it was one of the most painful things he’d experienced.

The caterpillar's spines cause the most painful and severe reaction of any urticating caterpillar species in the United States, UGA experts say.

When your skin brushes against the puss caterpillar, the spines break off, releasing an irritating fluid that produces an immediate stinging, burning sensation. The numbness and swelling that follow may extend to your whole arm or leg in severe cases, according to the University of Georgia's ag specialists.

Red blotches may linger for a couple of days, accompanied by a weeping rash. Lymph nodes may swell and be tender for 12 to 24 hours. Other reactions may include nausea and vomiting.

If stung by a puss caterpillar, people should remove the broken-off spines by using cellophane tape or a commercial facial peel, and then call a doctor, the health experts said.

Fortunately, researchers are not aware of any fatal cases from puss caterpillar stings — just intense pain and severe reactions.

The caterpillars eat oak and elm leaves, but they can be found in parks or near structures.

The name "puss caterpillar" is likely in reference to the caterpillar's resemblance to a cat with its soft fur and tail, according to the University of Florida researchers. The caterpillar is found from New Jersey to Florida and west to Arkansas and Texas.

The bodies of puss caterpillars are normally completely hidden from sight by the thick coating of hair. However, the head may be exposed when the caterpillar is moving or occasionally when feeding.

If you're gardening, mowing the lawn, picking fruit or working in other ways in which you might brush against urticating caterpillars, wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and gloves.

Puss caterpillars feed on oaks, pecans, persimmon, fruit trees, roses and other trees and shrubs. They're typically loners, although you may find several on a given tree.

If one stings you, treat the symptoms. To remove any spines still in the skin, gently stick a piece of adhesive tape to the site and then pull it away. Applying cold compresses can lessen the pain and swelling.

Over-the-counter pain medications and topical hydrocortisone creams may help. If the symptoms include systemic reactions or don't begin to ease up a couple of days, contact a physician.

Patch Editor Mark Hand contributed to this story.