They’re Baaaccckkk!

Steer Clear: Comb-over Caterpillar is Not as Harmless as it Looks

They may look like miniature furbies, but don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re safe to handle. Puss moth caterpillars (Megalopyge opercularis), also known as asps, are one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America. Remember Cleopatra’s encounter with an asp. These fuzzy little creatures are about an inch to an inch and a half long, and they’re entirely covered in fluffy whitish-gray, yellow, tan or reddish-brown colored hair. The hair hides spines connected to poison sacs filled with venom.

And they now making their second appearance around New Orleans this year. While the number of exposures peaks in June and July, there is a second peak in October.

“This is their time of year, hot and dry September-October, until the weather turns cold and the leaves brown up and drop,” notes James Diaz, MD, DrPH, Professor and Director of Environmental and Occupational Health at LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health.

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These caterpillars, said to have gotten their common name from their resemblance to a cuddly cat, live in shade trees and shrubbery.

“They like to eat the leaves on certain trees, like deciduous oaks, elms and sycamores,” adds Dr. Diaz.

He advises people to avoid walking under them. “The main problem is that the caterpillar will fall from the tree leaf and drop into someone’s shirt collar causing a nasty sting on the back of the neck. The spines are on the dorsal (back) surface, not the ventral (abdomen) surface.”

Diaz advises, “The best thing to do is to flick them off with a stick, credit card or note-business card. They will actually curve around a stick or a pencil.”

But trees and shrubs not the only places you can encounter one. They’ve been spotted on sidewalks, columns, benches and other places.

If you garden, wear long gloves, and make sure your children know not to touch them.

“The sting causes intense throbbing pain, burning and a rash,” says Diaz. “The pain can last for hours and in some people, radiates up the arm or leg.”

If you do get stung, you should remove any hairs as quickly as possible. “You can use adhesive tape to pull them off or gently scrape with a credit card,” he says. “Wash the area with soap and water to remove any remaining venom. Applying an ice pack, followed by a paste of baking soda and water, can help reduce pain and swelling. Oral antihistamines may help relieve itching and burning, and topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation.”

Some people have a more serious reaction. They can experience swelling, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, enlarged lymph nodes, shock, difficulty breathing and seizures. If the symptoms are severe or continue to worsen, seek medical attention.

“Cold weather and birds are better than any pesticides in handling the infestation and a lot safer too,” concludes Diaz.