Tussock Moth Caterpillar

[pepperj]

It's that time of the year again where these painful hairy caterpillars are around.
Never touch one as the barbs will stick into the skin.
Very painful for you.
There's many colors and sizes.

 

[worldtalker]

It's that time of the year again where these painful hairy caterpillars are around.
Never touch one as the barbs will stick into the skin.
Very painful for you.
There's many colors and sizes.

View attachment 2214645

It's that time of the year again where these painful hairy caterpillars are around.
Never touch one as the barbs will stick into the skin.
Very painful for you.
There's many colors and sizes.

View attachment 2214645

Here's another nasty one.

 

[pepperj]

Here's another nasty one.

View attachment 2214687

They look down right nasty.

Here's one that messed up a guy that was getting his lure out of a tree branch.
He came over for help, we got him to rub Jewel Weed on the area.
He thanked me even the next year.
Took the pain away, but the scar was on the wrist still.

 

[LauraLou56]

They look down right nasty.

Here's one that messed up a guy that was getting his lure out of a tree branch.
He came over for help, we got him to rub Jewel Weed on the area.
He thanked me even the next year.
Took the pain away, but the scar was on the wrist still.

View attachment 2214731

Wow! Is it like an acid burn? As in, once the barb is in the skin does it have an enzyme that reacts like acid or is it just the barb itself?

 

[LauraLou56]

Wow! Is it like an acid burn? As in, once the barb is in the skin does it have an enzyme that reacts like acid or is it just the barb itself?

And thank god for jewel weed! Every year like clock.work I get poison ivy and deal with it, no biggie. When I was pregnant with my son my body went into poison ivy reaction hyper drive! It looked like I had cuffs of poison ivy around each foot up from ankle to knee. Had to make a salve from jewel weed stalks just to function. All from my incessant need at eight months preggers for a black raspberry pie. I had to go pick enough berries.for.that damn pie. It was totally worth it.

 

[pepperj]

Wow! Is it like an acid burn? As in, once the barb is in the skin does it have an enzyme that reacts like acid or is it just the barb itself?

Lots of folks encounter them mowing the lawn. The small grey colored one hang a silk thread. When they go down the back of the neck it's a wake up call.

Tussock moth caterpillars can cause skin irritation and rashes due to their stinging hairs, which can penetrate the skin and cause a reaction similar to a nettle sting. While not poisonous or venomous, the hairs can be irritating and cause redness, itching, and sometimes swelling. Some individuals may experience more severe reactions, such as headaches, nausea, or allergic reactions.

What to do if you encounter a tussock moth caterpillar:

• • Avoid contact:
    It's best to avoid touching tussock moth caterpillars due to the potential for skin irritation.
    
  • Remove hairs:
    If you accidentally touch one, gently remove any hairs with tape and wash the affected area with soap and water, according to a video on YouTube.
    
  • Treat the rash:
    If a rash develops, over-the-counter corticosteroid creams can help reduce the inflammation and itching.
    
  • Seek medical attention:
    If symptoms are severe, such as excessive swelling, difficulty breathing, or persistent nausea, seek medical attention immediately.

 

[pepperj]

Here's some more that I've encountered over the years.

 

[pepperj]

I was weeding the garden this afternoon and this one got me on the ring finger.
Kind of an in between a bad case of stinging Neetles and a bee sting.
5 hrs later it's still doing its thing.
It's well buried now.