Warning: Stay away from these caterpillars!
Stinging Flannel Moth Caterpillars may seem like fluffy, innocent creatures- that is until they release a painful venom into you!
Fall is in the air
Fall is in the air! That means pumpkin spice lattes, Ugg boots, flannel tops, flannel pajama pants, and stinging flannel moth caterpillars.
With the dropping of leaves, and drops in temperatures, the stinging caterpillars of the flannel moth or “asps” as they are more commonly known, begin to appear sometimes in dense populations around our homes. These fuzzy caterpillars are the immature stages of moths, and cause a painful sting with mild to severe reactions in unsuspecting victims.
What do Stinging Flannel Moth Caterpillars look like?
The caterpillars have a fuzzy appearance, that can often capture the attention of curious children and adults. The wispy hairs can vary in shades of tans and browns, they often resemble a hair tuft, a clump of wool, or a cotton ball. These hairs are spines or quill-like hooks that are attached to poison sacs, and when touched, they penetrate and release the venom that causes the painful irritation.
Where are Stinging Flannel Moth Caterpillars found?
These painful caterpillars can be found in dense populations in our area, especially around tree and shrub species that are common like: oak, elm, hackberry, and pecan. This can be particularly troublesome around playgrounds. The flannel moth fall population boom also tends to correlate with seasonal leaf clean-up, and oak limb trimming.
How are Stinging Flannel Moth Caterpillars treated?
These stinging pests can be treated with common professional products, and some extremely large populations require the use of specialized equipment. However, the best defense is EDUCATION and IDENTIFICATION. A good rule of thumb is to avoid touching any fluffy caterpillars, and teaching children not to handle or touch fuzzy caterpillars, or other wild animals or bugs.
Watch out, and avoid the pain!
The caterpillars camouflage and stinging defenses help the population survive the coming winter months. So, look twice before jumping into that pile of raked leaves, or grabbing a bundle of freshly trimmed oak leaves.
We'll Get Those Little Devils!
If Stinging Flannel Moth Caterpillars have become a nuisance, call Angel Pest Control to get a halo of protection around your home or business! Remember “We’ll get those little devils!”
