Florida's Hairy, Rash-Inducing Caterpillars Are Back to Give Residents a Burning Sensation, Experts Warn

Florida is home to three species of tussock moth caterpillars, all of which can cause irritation through direct contact

NEED TO KNOW

• Florida’s three species of tussock moth caterpillars are emerging for spring
• Experts warn residents should not touch the hairy-looking creatures, whose bristles can cause a rash
• When necessary, the caterpillars should only be handled with gloved hands or tweezers

Spring is officially here, and so are tussock moth caterpillars.

While they're a crucial part of Florida's ecosystem, the insects that emerge in the spring are literally irritating. The fuzzy-looking crawlers can cause irritation and a rash to anyone whose skin comes in direct contact with the barbed hairs that cover the caterpillar.

Adam Dale, an associate professor of entomology at the University of Florida, told local station News 6 that it's important to avoid direct contact with the caterpillars, despite their fluffy appearance.

"They have little spines on them that can break off into your skin, causing irritation," he told the outlet. "They look like little brushes along their back, but those are the ones you don't want to come into contact with."

Dale noted that skin contact with the caterpillars can cause a burning sensation and that the caterpillars' cocoons have the same irritating hairs and should not be touched with bare skin.

"Those hairs actually kind of can poke into the skin and then break off," Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) entomologist Joyce Fassbender told WESH.

"So they're called urticating hairs, but that's basically what they do. It's a defense mechanism. It's compared usually to fiberglass. So if you brush up against fiberglass, little tiny pieces of glass will break off and get under your skin. And that's basically what's happening with these hairs," she added about why it's best to avoid these bugs.

The creatures are recognizable by their bright, furry appearance and hair tufts. There are three species of tussock mouth caterpillars in Florida —the fir tussock moth, the white-marked tussock moth, and the definite tussock moth — all of which can cause irritation, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Though they're known for their large presence in Florida, tussock moth caterpillars can be found throughout the United States. About a dozen species of tussock moths are native to North America, per Veseris.

In Florida, the caterpillars start hatching around the beginning of March and enter cocoons by early April, per FMNH, as they thrive in warm climates. However, climate change could move the timeline up, causing the caterpillars to hatch earlier in the year.

When faced with a tussock moth caterpillar, FMNH recommends leaving the insect alone to avoid direct contact. For those who need to remove tussock moth caterpillars, experts recommend wearing gloves and long sleeves for the job. Tweezers or a broom can also be used to help remove caterpillars without contact.

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If a tussock moth caterpillar does come into contact with skin, it's best to remove the insect's irritating hairs by using tape, News 6 reported. Then, the individual should wash the affected site with soap and water, and apply ice or a baking soda and water paste to mitigate any irritation. If the irritation or burning sensation continues after home treatment, see a doctor.

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