White Marked Tussock Moth Fuzzy Caterpillar – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Satyashutter
No, we’re not talking about lovebugs, the notorious Florida pest that arrives in droves come springtime.
This is the time of year when spiky yellow and white caterpillars emerge from oak trees and cover porches and cars throughout the state.
As per the Florida Museum of Natural History, the organisms are known as caterpillars of the tussock moth. With their hairy bodies and spikey tufts, the few diverse species that call Florida home share striking similarities.
A person who comes into contact with a tussock moth larva will get a blistering, itchy rash despite their adorable appearance. They can even leave behind some prickly hairs that can be taped off.
For some relief, anyone bitten by the bug can use the same over-the-counter drugs used to treat poison ivy.
The caterpillars fall from trees in search of a location to construct their cocoons, which are found on park benches, houses, and other outside surfaces. They are tough to remove and are spun with the same hairs that produce the rash.
To get rid of the caterpillars in one’s house, pick them up and place them in a pail of warm, soapy water. Tweezers can be used to remove their cocoons, but be sure to wear long sleeves to prevent stinging.
The Florida Natural History Museum issued a warning that as the climate warms and lengthens the winter, an increasing number of these caterpillars may hatch annually. The moths can withstand quite a bit of heat.
Even though they are a nuisance, moths are a native species that, once they reach adulthood, feed bats, birds, and other insects.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
